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by GoPride.com News Staff

Disco singer Donna Summer has died this morning after a battle with cancer. According to TMZ.com, she died in her Florida home at the age of 63.

Known as the Queen of Disco, Summer become one of the world's leading singers and songwriters. The career of the five-time Grammy-winner spans a range of musical genres from R&B and rock to inspirational and dance. 

In 1994, she released Endless Summer, a greatest hits retrospective, containing a new song, Melody of Love, which became Billboard's #1 Dance Record of the Year. In 1997, when the new "Best Dance Recording" Category was created at the Grammy Awards, Summer was the first winner with her fifth career Grammy award for Carry On.

Summer's relationship with the LGBT community was complicated when rumors spread in the 80's that she had made comments that implied AIDS was God's punishment for homosexual sin. The singer - a born-again Christian - vehemently denied making such a statement. 

In 2007 Summer headlined the One Mighty Party, an LGBT circuit party in Orlando. Florida. 

"Our hearts and prayers go out to her family," promoter Johnny Chisholm told GoPride.com. "I can remember she was so excited to do One Mighty Party for us at Disney MGM, she will never be forgotten and will always bring happiness to many in her songs and memories."

Summer was best known for her string of 70s hits, including Last Dance and Bad Girls. She is survived by her husband, vocalist Bruce Sudano, as well as three daughters and four grandchildren.

Related: 2009 interview with Donna Summer (2009) by Jerry Nunn

Classic Donna in 1978 Concert singing Last Dance.

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