Also reacting to the Queen of Disco's death are Piers Morgan who calls her 'great lady, wonderful talent', and President Obama who says, 'The music industry has lost a legend far too soon.'
- May 18, 2012
AceShowbiz - Words of condolences have flooded the Internet as soon as news of Donna Summer's passing was confirmed on Thursday, May 17. Many big names in music and other celebrities alike were quick to share their thoughts about the Queen of Disco and her legacy, and among them were Barbra Streisand and Dolly Parton.
70-year-old Streisand mourned Summer's death in a series of tweets. "I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago," the eight-time Grammy winner first wrote. She followed it up with, "I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. .. It's so sad."
66-year-old Parton, in the meantime, spoke out about the loss in a statement. "I can't believe we've lost another wonderful singer," she said. "Donna, like Whitney [Houston], had one of the greatest voices ever. I loved her records. She was the disco queen, and will remain so. I knew her and found her to be one of the most likable and fun people ever. She will be missed and remembered."
Elton John expressed his grief in his statement. "This woman was the queen of disco and so much more," he said. "Her records sound as good today as they ever did. That she has never been inducted into the Rock & 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."
Another music great paying tribute was Aretha Franklin. "So shocking to hear about the passing of Donna Summer," she admitted. "In the 70s, she reigned over the disco era and kept the disco jumping. Who will forget 'Last Dance.' A fine performer and a very nice person. She was a delight to the industry. She and Giorgio Moroder made sales and musical history in the 70s."
Chaka Khan chimed in, "I will miss her very much. My love goes out to her family. I'm here for them. Donna and I had a friendship for over 30 years. She is one of the few black women I could speak Germany with and she is one of the few friends I had in this business," as Janet Jackson tweeter, "We will miss Donna Summer! She changed the world of music with her beautiful voice and incredible talent."
Reactions to Summer's passing didn't only come from the music industry though. TV host Ryan Seacrest tweeted, "I remember sitting in the front seat of my mom's toyota while she sang Donna Summer's 'she works hard for the money' songs were just classic." and Piers Morgan remembered, "dined with her a few months ago, and she sang Amazing Grace to guests with stunning power. Great lady, wonderful talent."
Also expressing sadness for the loss were comedienne Ellen DeGeneres and reality star Bethenny Frankel. DeGeneres tweeted, "I was a big fan. I even used one of her songs in my show that airs today," as Frankel said in her tweet, "Her music was such a big part of my life & memories. I wasn't ready for her 'last dance.' "
President Barack Obama has also released a statement regarding Summer's death. "Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Summer," he said. "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."
