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Donna Summer Dead at 63

Disco queen dies after cancer struggle: TMZ

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted May 17, 2012 10:43 AM CDT | Updated May 17, 2012 11:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Disco queen Donna Summer died this morning at age 63, TMZ reports. Sources say the singer of such classics as “Last Dance” and “Hot Stuff” died in Florida after battling lung cancer, which she reportedly thought she contracted via toxic particles in New York City after the World Trade Center attacks. She had been trying to keep the severity of her illness quiet, and was hoping to finish her new album, sources say.

The AP has a statement from Summer's family, who say they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy." Summer, a five-time Grammy winner, married fellow singer Bruce Sudano in 1980, and the couple had two daughters.

Donna Summer performs at the Partnership for Public Service Inaugural Gala at Cipriani's restaurant May 29, 2003 in New York City.
Donna Summer performs at the Partnership for Public Service Inaugural Gala at Cipriani's restaurant May 29, 2003 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Donna Summer performing on the VH1Diva's 2000: A Tribute to Diana Ross at the Theater at madison Square Garden, 4/9/00.
Donna Summer performing on the VH1Diva's 2000: A Tribute to Diana Ross at the Theater at madison Square Garden, 4/9/00.   (Getty Images)
Donna Summer poses during an in-store appearance to promote her new book 'Ordinary Girl' at Book Soup on Sunset Blvd October 17, 2003 in West Hollywood, California.
Donna Summer poses during an in-store appearance to promote her new book 'Ordinary Girl' at Book Soup on Sunset Blvd October 17, 2003 in West Hollywood, California.   (Getty Images)
Donna Summer and Bette Midler appear October 29, 2003, at Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project's Sixth Annual Hulaween in New York City.
Donna Summer and Bette Midler appear October 29, 2003, at Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project's Sixth Annual Hulaween in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Donna Summer sings God Bless America in the seventh inning stretch of game two of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals on October 24, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
Donna Summer sings "God Bless America" in the seventh inning stretch of game two of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals on October 24, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston,...   (Getty Images)
Donna Summer performs on NBC's 'Today Show' in Rockefeller Plaza on May 30, 2008 in New York City.
Donna Summer performs on NBC's 'Today Show' in Rockefeller Plaza on May 30, 2008 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Donna Summer performs during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert Rehearsals at Oslo Spektrum on December 10, 2009 in Oslo, Norway.
Donna Summer performs during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert Rehearsals at Oslo Spektrum on December 10, 2009 in Oslo, Norway.   (Getty Images)
Donna Summer performs onstage during a panel at the PBS portion of the 2011 Winter TCA press tour held at the Langham Hotel on January 9, 2011 in Pasadena, California.
Donna Summer performs onstage during a panel at the PBS portion of the 2011 Winter TCA press tour held at the Langham Hotel on January 9, 2011 in Pasadena, California.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 27 comments
rjm
May 21, 2012 8:23 PM CDT
Donna. :(
VonLmo
May 17, 2012 5:37 PM CDT
Fortunately for her she had the resources to get medical care. The Mr & Ms no-bodies of NYC who are similarly afflicted, were denied medical insurance when the Congress denied funding for them. Read that to say the Republican Party refused to allow these people medical care.
chillette
May 17, 2012 2:43 PM CDT
The true Queen of Disco was Grace Jones. Donna Summer was the watered down Disney pop version for TV. The Black Snow White version of a disco queen.

 
cancer • entertainment • celebrity • celebrity death • Donna Summer

 
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