The family of five-time Grammy winner and disco diva Donna Summer released a statement regarding her passing, as condolence messages from her colleagues in the entertainment industry continue to pour out.
“Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith,” her family said Thursday. “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.”
Below, read what Quincy Jones, Nigel Lythgoe, Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj and more are saying about the late legend.
Barbra Streisand: I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. .. It’s so sad.
Janet Jackson: We will miss Donna Summer! She changed the world of music with her beautiful voice and incredible talent.
Erykah Badu: “… Last dance , last chance , for love” – Donna Summer/ goddess
Nicki Minaj: Wow, another legend gone. Rest in peace to the beautiful disco queen Donna Summer.
Quincy Jones: Rest in Peace dear Donna Summer. Your voice was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade.
Kelly Rowland: Donna Summer. Icon! Legend! Her voice! Her spirit! Rest In peace, you truly inspired me! I love you!
Nigel Lythgoe: One of my favorite singers of all time, Donna Summer, is dead. She defined dance music in the 70′s and had a wonderful voice and personality
Perez Hilton: Disco will never die! #DonnaForever!!! R.I.P. Ms. Summer!
Ryan Seacrest: I remember sitting in the front seat of my mom’s Toyota while she sang Donna Summer’s “she works hard for the money” songs were just classic
Stephen Hill (President of Music and Special Programming, BET): Not her biggest hit, but a powerful song showcasing her velvet-wrapped voice….my favorite. RIP Donna Summer [Links to a video of 1977’s “I Love You”]
Adam Lambert: RIP Donna Summer. glorious disco Goddess.
Melanie Amaro: #RIP Donna Summer
Kylie Minogue: One of my earliest musical inspirations, RIP Donna Summer #BadGirlsForEver #TootTootHeyBeepBeep RIP Donna Summer
Gloria Estefan: Few singers have impacted music & the world like Donna Summer!It’s the end of an era.Peace& prayers 2 all who loved her
Dolly Parton: “I can’t believe we’ve lost another wonderful singer. Donna, like Whitney, had one of the greatest voices ever. I loved her records. She was the disco queen, and will remain so. I knew her and found her to be one of the most likable and fun people ever. She will be missed and remembered.”
Gloria Gaynor: “I am deeply saddened personally for the loss of my dear friend Donna Summer. She and I have been friends for a very long time, we were both known as the ‘Queen of Disco,” but Donna always referred to me as the “First Lady of Disco.” A fine lady and human being she was. She will be missed dearly by her colleagues, friends and family. She notonly made her mark in my heart as well as others, but she forever changed the way of how America danced and enjoyed themselves. She may have had her ‘Last Dance’ here on earth, but ‘Heaven Knows’ it is dancing with joy for her arrival.”
Garry Shandling: When I was starting I toured frequently with Donna Summer as her opening act, I’ll never forget the sheer power of her voice or her kindness
