It’s been a tragic year for celebrity deaths.
George Michael is just the latest in a long line of stars who have passed away in 2016 — a list that includes politicians, rock greats, sports legends and even a former first lady.
The trail of deaths began on Jan. 10, when rock star David Bowie unexpectedly passed away from cancer.
The heartbreak continued throughout January, with fans saying farewell to “Harry Potter” actor Alan Rickman, Eagles musician Glenn Frey, actor Abe Vigoda and Paul Kantner, a co-founder of the band Jefferson Airplane.
Former first lady Nancy Reagan died in March at age 94.
April saw the deaths of music legends Merle Haggard and Prince.
In June, boxing great Muhammad Ali passed on. And in August, “Willy Wonka” star Gene Wilder died.
Among the well-known political figures who passed this year were former Cuban President Fidel Castro (Nov. 25) and former US Attorney General Janet Reno (Nov. 7).
While many other famous people died — including astronaut John Glenn, golf great Arnold Palmer, basketball coach Pat Summitt, “To Kill a Mockingbird” author Harper Lee, “Brady Bunch” star Florence Henderson, actor Alan Thicke, basketball announcer Craig Sager and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others — it seemed like the music world suffered the greatest losses this year.
Fans said goodbye to many greats such as “Hallelujah” composer Leonard Cohen, as well as Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White.
Other musical favorites who passed away in 2016 included “Dead or Alive” singer Pete Burns, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Phife Dawg, who was co-founder of the popular hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest.