British singer, songwriter, and pop superstar, George Michael, passed away in his home in Oxfordshire, England on December 25^th at 53 years old. His manager, Michael Lippman, has stated that the star died of heart failure.

George Michael—whose real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou—was born in London to Greek Cypriot parents, and found fame in the 1980s as a member of the music duo, Wham!, which sold over 25 million records from 1982 to 1986.

In 1987, Michael made his solo debut, beginning a career that would go on to sell more than 100 million records worldwide, achieving 7 number one singles in the UK and 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.—including the ubiquitous “Careless Whisper”. Over the course of his career, Michael collaborated with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and Queen.

Michael won many awards in his 30-year career, including three Brit Awards, winning Best British Male twice, four MTV Video Music Awards, four Ivor Novello Awards, three American Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards.

Michael was an advocate for the LGBQ community, revealing that he was gay in 1998 after being arrested for engaging in a “lewd act” in a public restroom in Beverly Hills. After the incident, Michael said, “I never had a moral problem with being gay. I thought I had fallen in love with a woman a couple of times. Then I fell in love with a man, and realised that none of those things had been love.”

Many of his subsequent works reinforced this sentiment, and his visibility and unapologetic sexuality became an inspiration for many still-closeted members of the LGBQ community.

A wreath and rose have appeared at the front door of George Michael’s home since his death, and various celebrities, musicians, and public figures have expressed their grief over social media.

Elton John has, perhaps, expressed his grief most eloquently, saying “George Michael’s sweet soul music will live on even after his sudden death. Having worked with him on a number of occasions, his great talent always shone through, and his self-deprecating sense of humour made the experience even more pleasurable. Star Trek actor and LGBQ activist, George Takei, paid his own tribute to the musician on Twitter, writing, “Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You’ve found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.”

George Michael’s family announced his death through his publicist, saying: “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. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”

Despite some very public difficulties with drugs, alcohol, and arrests Michael led a life that was unequivocally his own, and his provocative, raw appeal will ensure a long-lasting legacy.