Village People frontman Victor Willis has died aged 75 after a “short, but aggressive illness”, his wife has announced.
The singer-songwriter, best known as the voice behind the disco anthem YMCA, passed away on Tuesday (30 June), according to a statement shared by wife Karen Huff-Willis.
The news has left fans of the legendary group devastated, with tributes pouring in from around the world, as reported by Need To Know.
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Willis, from Dallas, Texas, US, rose to global fame as the lead singer of Village People and helped write some of the band’s biggest hits, including YMCA.
Karen confirmed the heartbreaking news online.
She said: “It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, Victor Willis.
“Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness.
“The family request privacy at this time of great loss.”
Willis enjoyed huge success during the disco era and became one of the most recognisable voices in popular music.
When YMCA was released in 1978, the song became a worldwide sensation and helped turn Willis into an overnight millionaire.
At the height of his fame, he once revealed he carried as much as $40,000 (£30,000) in cash in his pocket.
He also owned half of the copyright to the group’s music, helping secure a fortune that lasted long after the band’s chart-topping years.
In later life, Willis lived with Karen in a multi-million-dollar six-bedroom mansion in San Diego, California.
The couple married in 2007.
He previously revealed that one of his most extravagant purchases was a Cartier watch worth around $100,000 (£75,000).
Village People had recently completed the first leg of a major European tour in May, with further dates scheduled in Italy and France later this summer.
Fans quickly flooded social media with messages of support and remembrance.
One person said: “Rest in peace Victor, thank you for the music.”
Another fan added: “Condolences to you Karen. Keeping you and the family in prayer.”
One person said: “I’m heartbroken and beyond words. You are all in my prayers.”
One viewer wrote: “Oh wow, such sad news.”
Another fan added: “I’m sorry to hear of Victor’s passing. May his music live on forever.”
