Singer George Michael is dead at 53

Singer George Michael has died at age 53, the BBC reported on Sunday.

The British performer "passed away peacefully at home," the network reported, citing Michael's publicist. Police denied any suspicious circumstances, the BCC reported.

"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," a statement from the publicist said.

"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 continued.

Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, gained fame in the early 1980s as one half of the pop group Wham!, before launching a multi-platinum solo career that earned him two Grammy awards.

In his solo work, which veered toward R&B, Michael found his own kind of massive success, including the hits "Faith" and "Freedom '90."