Disco Queen Donna Summer Dead at 63
May 17, 2012
Remembered
Singer Donna Summer passed away Thursday morning after a battle with cancer, reports TMZ. She was only 63.
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Summer shot to stardom in the '70s with hits "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls." The disco phenom continued producing hits through the '80s with "She Works Hard for the Money" and "This Time I Know It's for Real."
Summer married Brooklyn Dreams singer Bruce Sudano in 1980, with whom she had two daughters. Her first daughter was with Austrian actor Helmuth Sommer. She also leaves four grandchildren.
Following her death, the Sudano family released this statement: "Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."
UPDATE: TMZ has learned that Summer died from lung cancer, which she claimed to have contracted from inhaling particles after the 9/11 attacks in NYC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna's honor to the Salvation Army.
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My late Husband Joe, took me to the Grammy Awards in 1980, and we went to the party they have after the awards show is over. At the party I got to meet Donna Summers, and many more. I did not know much about her at the time. I learned more about her as time went on, and I thought WOW I met her at the Grammy Party. She was very nice and I am so glad I got to see her in person. I will always remember that night, in Feb. of 1980. I was very shocked when I was told by my Son that Donna had died, much to young. She is the same age as me. I will keep her Family in my Prayers. God Bless and be with all her Family during the coming days ahead. Donna will be missed by all who loved her music, and loved her. She had great talent. So sad she is gone.
Connie Waters, In Ohio
I just spoke of Lady D the day before in a message to Wendy Williams; I told her I felt that she resembled Donna in the wig she named "Diana Ross!"
I failed to mention to her that I'd met DS a few years earlier and how we talked about how much fun WE had wearing the denim/mink jacket I had on! Donna was always one of my favorite FEMALE singers; she, like Wendy, was a beautiful talented woman with great cheekbones, and many talents. I loved her voice--my fav LP was "The 4 Seasons of Love" with "Winter Melody" being my favorite song.
What a joy it is to fill my days/nights (when possible) with music, and I truly thank Lady Donna for all the hits that she contributed to my listening ears--God bless and keep you in HIS care, Donna! That choir in HEAVEN just got a whole lot sweeter!!!
Rest in Perfect Peace Donna Summer! You will be greatly missed. If there is entertainment in heaven, please rock on with the angels. May God guide and guard the family you left behind. Again, rest in peace Disco Queen!
What a lot of women do not realize is that lung cancer kills more women that all reproductive cancers combined (including breast and ovarian cancers)! I came to learn this when Dana Reeves (wife of Christopher Reeves), a non-smoker, died of lung cancer a few years ago.
To hear Donna Summer was to love her, from the first note of Love to Love You Baby and all the great songs that she gave to us we knew she was forever in our conscience . I have the good fortune of meeting her in 2003 at her book signing and treasure the book and CD she signed.
I thanked her for all her great musical treasure that allowed me to fill dance floors for a few generations. Donna we will all miss you and
God will welcome you, an old Disco treasure had the lyrics "Heaven is a Disco and God is the DJ." God bless you and may you forever rest in peace
DJ Johnny C , NYC