Disco Legend Donna Summer Dies At 63

Donna Summer, one of the most renowned names in the world of disco music, has passed away at her home in Key West, Florida at the age of 63 after a long battle with lung cancer.

The singer, who first burst onto the world stage with her smash hit Love To Love You Baby back in 1975, was one of the most prominent artists of the mid-'70s disco era, though her career managed to continue strongly after disco went out of fashion, remaining a fixture on the charts through the 1980. She was reported to be working on a new album in recent times, a follow up to her last record, 2008's Colors.

Summer is survived by her husband Bruce Sudano and her daughters Brooklyn, Amanda and Mimi. In a statement they say they "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."

Today Quincy Jones paid tribute, saying, "Your voice was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade."

Listen to Summer's 1979 chart topping single, Hot Stuff:

Tributes for Summer are pouring in on Twitter: