Donna Summer is Dead

The Queen of Disco has taken her last dance. Donna Summer (born LaDonna Adrian Gaines), who was the voice of a generation and released such hits as "Last Dance," ''Love to Love You Baby" and "Bad Girls," died this morning in Florida after a battle with cancer. She was 63. In a statement, her family says: "Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time." In lieu of flowers, the family asks of flowers, donations can be made in Donna's honor to the Salvation Army. Wendy, who loved her some Donna Summer, has yet to issue a statement. (UPDATE: The folks over at TMZ are reporting the five-time Grammy winner died from lung cancer which she contracted from inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in NYC. Say what, now?)

UPDATE, May 18: Apparently, Donna, who was a smoker, was convinced she contracted lung cancer from living near Ground Zero at the time of the terrorist attacks. According to TMZ, "Donna became almost paranoid about breathing the air, which was heavy with a rancid odor. In the months and years following 9/11, Donna's feelings intensified. One source tells us when he was around Donna, she would constantly spray some sort of disinfectant in the air. Deney Terrio, the host of "Dance Fever," tells us ... when he was around Donna post 9/11, she would hang silk sheets in her dressing room to prevent dust from coming in. And one source says ... Donna, who was a fervent practicing Christian, believed 9/11 was an attack on Christianity and in some metaphysical way Christians like her were targets. She somehow felt that her illness was a byproduct of the attack." Was this betch crazy or what? Cuckoo!


In the meantime, let's dance!