Donna Summer died: Celebrities pay tribute

Disco-queen Donna Summer died yesterday in Florida after a secret battle with cancer according to the New York Daily News.

In the 24 hours since her passing, celebrities from around the world have shown their support in videos, statements and Tweets.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Bono expressed his appreciation for Summer, saying her songs were always in his top five favorites.

In a statement Elton John said it is a disgrace that Summer is not already a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He said, "I'm so sad. This woman was the queen of disco and so much more. Her records sound as good today as they ever did. That she has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a total disgrace, especially when I see the second-rate talent that has been inducted. She is a great friend to me and to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will miss her greatly."

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Gloria Gaynor, another disco legend, said in a statement, "I am deeply saddened personally for the loss of my dear friend Donna Summer. She and I have been friends for a very long time, we were both known as the ’Queen of Disco,’ but Donna always referred to me as the ”First Lady of Disco.’ A fine lady and human being she was. She will be missed dearly by her colleagues, friends and family. She not only made her mark in my heart as well as others, but she forever changed the way … America danced and enjoyed themselves. She may have had her ’Last Dance’ here on earth, but ’Heaven Knows’ it is 'dancing with joy for her arrival.'"

Liza Minnelli also expressed her grief in a statement. She said, “When you lose a friend you feel like they are gone forever … that is not true with my dear friend Donna. She was a queen, THE Queen of disco, and we will be dancing to her music forever. My thoughts and prayers are with her family always.”

Even President Obama shared his heartfelt message to Summer's family. He said, "'Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Summer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Donna truly was the 'Queen of Disco.' Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna's family and her dedicated fans.'"

Younger artists and fans alike also took to Twitter to share their messages about Summer.