Celebrities react to the death of Donna Summer

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Reaction to the death Thursday of singer Donna Summer, who was 63:

“Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Summer. 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.” _ President Barack Obama.

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“So shocking to hear about the passing of Donna Summer. 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.” _ Aretha Franklin.

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“I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. It’s so sad.” _ Barbra Streisand.

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“Rest in Peace dear Donna Summer. Your voice was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade.” _ Quincy Jones, via Twitter.

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“We will miss Donna Summer! She changed the world of music with her beautiful voice and incredible talent.” _ Janet Jackson.

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“I can’t believe we’ve lost another wonderful singer. Donna, like Whitney, 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.” _ Dolly Parton.

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“When you lose a friend you feel like they are gone forever.that is not true with my dear friend Donna. She was a queen, THE Queen of Disco, and we will be dancing to her music forever.” _ Liza Minnelli.

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“Wow, another legend gone. Rest in peace to the beautiful disco queen Donna Summer.” _ Nicki Minaj, via Twitter.

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“Donna and I had a friendship for over 30 years. She is one of the few black women I could speak German with and she is one of the few friends I had in this business.” _ Chaka Khan.

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“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.” _ Ryan Seacrest, via Twitter.

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“She not only made her mark in my heart as well as others, but she forever changed the way of how America danced and enjoyed themselves. She may have had her `Last Dance’ here on earth, but `Heaven Knows’ it is dancing with joy for her arrival.”_ Gloria Gaynor.

“So sad to hear about Donna Summer. I adored her voice. May she rest in peace.” _ Joan Collins, via Twitter.

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“Another one of my vocal idols has passed… RIP Donna Summer.” _ Fergie, of the Black Eyed Peas.

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“Few singers have impacted music & the world like Donna Summer! It’s the end of an era. Peace & prayers 2 all who loved her.” _ Gloria Estefan, who posted a photo of herself with Summer on Twitter.

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“She defined dance music in the 70’s and had a wonderful voice and personality.” _ “So You Think You Can Dance” creator and “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe, via Twitter.

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“When I was starting I toured frequently with Donna Summer as her opening act, I’ll never forget the sheer power of her voice or her kindness.” _ Garry Shandling, on Twitter.

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“She will forever be a music legend and I am grateful I’ve had the opportunity to perform one of her biggest hits on Broadway.” _ Nick Adams, who sings Summer’s hit “Hot Stuff” on Broadway in “Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical.”