Singer George Michael dead at 53

Singer George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, has died at the age of 53 in his home in the U.K., the BBC reported on Sunday. "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 shared by the BBC.

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

Michael was a singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the group Wham! and went on to have a successful solo career. He sold more than 100 million albums during his decades-long career, the BBC reported.

Police say there are no "suspicious circumstances" regarding the star's death.