Singer George Michael of Wham! fame dead at 53

British singer George Michael, who became one of the pop idols of the 1980s with Wham! and then forged a career as a successful solo artist with sometimes sexually provocative lyrics, died at his home in England on Sunday. He was 53.

In the mid-1980s, “Wham! was one of the most successful pop duos ever, ahead even of Simon & Garfunkel, with singles like “"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", “"Careless Whisper", "“Last Christmas" and "“The Edge of Heaven".

"It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," his publicist said in a statement.

"The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage," the statement said.

British police said Michael's death was "unexplained but not suspicious."

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou June 25, 1963 in London to Greek Cypriot immigrant parents in a flat above a north London laundrette, Michael once played music on the London underground train system before finding fame with Wham!.

With a school friend, Andrew Ridgeley, he formed Wham! in 1981, a partnership that would produce some of the most memorable pop songs and dance-floor favorites of the 1980s.

"I am in deep shock," said Elton John. "I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP."

"Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael," said Star Trek actor and LGBT rights activist George Takei. "You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you."

While Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was in power, Michael voted for Britain's opposition Labour Party but criticised Tony Blair's support for George W. Bush's 2003 invasion of Iraq.

"Sad to hear that George Michael has died," said current Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. "He was an exceptional artist and a strong supporter of LGBT and workers' rights."

Michael's death comes at the end of a year that has seen the passing of several music superstars, including David Bowie, Prince and Leonard Cohen. Rick Parfitt, the guitarist of British rock group Status Quo, died on Saturday at 68.