Elton John and other celebs mourn British singer George Michael

George Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career, has died, his publicist said Sunday. When the news broke, among the first to react online were British celebrities and people who had worked with him.

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Celebrities around the world mourn the loss of the music legend:

 

 

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

A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:24pm PST

 

Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016

 

R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting "Last Christmas" now ��

— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) December 25, 2016

 

other than a global pop phenom, George Michael was one of the true British soul greats. alot of us owe him an unpayable debt. bye George xx

— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) December 25, 2016

 

George Michael. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/DSRXRURzU4

— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) December 25, 2016

 

George Michael passed!
Jesus, this is a bad year for music! Someone's forming a hell of a band in heaven!
RIP @GeorgeMichael &Rick Parfitt

— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) December 25, 2016

 

We are incredibly sad at the passing of our dear friend George Michael. A brilliant artist & great songwriter. Spandau Ballet / Steve Dagger

— Spandau Ballet (@SpandauBallet) December 25, 2016

 

I pray George Michael finally finds peace. A deeply private man with an awe-inspiring talent that couldn't help but make him a superstar.

— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) December 25, 2016

 

Noooooooooooooooo! I cannot believe this !!!! RIP George Michael ��

— Matt Terry (@MattTerry93) December 25, 2016

 

I still believe that music is one of the greatest gifts that God gave to man. RIP George Michael pic.twitter.com/Ammqi2ZTup

— Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) December 25, 2016

 

 

Sad to hear about George Michael's passing. He was a big inspiration. ����

A photo posted by Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:53pm PST

 

 

 

George Michael wrote Praying for Time 25 years ago but I truly believe it's message means more now than ever. https://t.co/f03zlWYbLa

— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

 

Very sad to hear that George Michael passed. He was a very talented musician and singer. Love & mercy to his family, friends and fans.

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) December 25, 2016

 

RIP George Michael. One of the greats

— Daniel Skye (@iamdanielskye) December 25, 2016

 

One more time.... �� George Michael & Paul Young - Every Time You Go Away - 1986 ... https://t.co/ka2GtJHJTr

— Paul Young (@PaulYoungParlez) December 25, 2016

 

This is how good he was. He could even do Queen songs. #RIPGeorgeMichaelhttps://t.co/Gw0Rs7n8LM

— David Schneider (@davidschneider) December 25, 2016

 

God Bless George Michael , Say a prayer for him . A nice human .
M

— Meat Loaf (@RealMeatLoaf) December 25, 2016

Had the pleasure of knowing George Michael in the 80s. Voice of an angel. Now he can sing for them.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 26, 2016

So sad to hear of George Michael passing. Beautiful inside and out. Thank you for the music ❤️

— Leona Lewis (@leonalewis) December 26, 2016

George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 26, 2016

George Michael?!?!? Nooooooo! 2016 has been brutal. Show ppl you love them everyday. Life is too short

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 26, 2016

 

R.I.P George Michael. Mari and I and our family are gutted. He was a true gentleman, one of the most talented people on earth and the soundtrack to our youth. An absolute legend. we were proud to be able to call him a friend and will miss that beautiful smile terribly. Sending love to all of his family on this sad Christmas. #ripgeorgemichael

A photo posted by Rob T (@thisisrobthomas) on Dec 25, 2016 at 4:44pm PST

So sorry to hear about George Michael's passing. Brilliant icon. "Kissing a Fool" one of my all time favs. Strength & light to his family.

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 26, 2016