Stars Pay Tribute to Disco Queen Donna Summer

Celebrities cite inspiration from Donna Summer's music

The death of "Queen of Disco" Donna Summer at age 63 has produced an outpouring of reaction from across the media world and entertainment industry.

Dionne Warwick said in a statement that she was sad to lose a "dear friend," The Associated Press reported.

"My heart goes out to her husband and her children. Prayers will be said to keep them strong," she said.

Quincy Jones, who reportedly produced her tenth studio album in 1982, tweeted, "Rest in Peace dear Donna Summer. Your voice was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade."

Madonna tweeted, "rest in peace," and included a link to a YouTube video of her performing "Future Lovers." The song off Madonna's 2005 "Confessions on a Dancefloor" album was influenced by Summer's "I Feel Love."

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said their thoughts and prayers were with Summer's family and fan, The Associated Press reported.

Questlove of the Roots wrote on Twitter that, "I know that the whole 'disco sucks' stuff left a bad taste in the mouths of some. But Summer's work was really a credible legacy."

Elton John said Summer deserved to have been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame when she was living.

"Her records sound as good today as they ever did," he told the AP in a statement. "That she has never been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame is a total disgrace especially when I see the second-rate talent that has been inducted. She is a great friend to me and to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will miss her greatly."

Gloria Estefan wrote that "few singers have impated music & the world" like Summer. "Peace & prayers 2 all who loved her. I will miss her," she tweeted.

In memorializing Summer, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea also noted the passing Wednesday of Chuck Brown, the Washington DC-based Godfather of Go-Go.

“Woah! donna summer gone to the great beyond !!! chuck brown then donna summer they're gonna be dancing in heaven!!! i love donna summer RIP” Flea wrote on Twitter.

Russell Simmons’ Global Grind website wrote that their “thoughts and prayers” were with Summer’s family. “Music lost a true legend today,” they said.

Kylie Minogue wrote on Twitter that Summer was "one of my earliest musical inspirations." 

"RIP Donna Summer #BadGirlsForEver," she wrote.

Here’s what other celebrities were saying online on Twitter about Summer and her legacy:

Dolly Parton: "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."

Nile Rodgers: "For the last half hour or so I've been lying in my bed crying and stunned. Donna Summer RIP."

Solange Knowles: “Donna Summer- You have inspired me in so many ways....”

Al Roker: “So very sad. Don Cornelius, Whitney Houston, Dick Clark now Donna Summer has died following a battle with cancer. She was 63.”

Perez Hilton: “We will have to disco dance in her honor!”

Ryan Seacrest: “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”

Billy Ray Cyrus: “R I P #Donna Summer LEGEND !!! Your music will live forever.”

Neil Patrick Harris: “Donna Summer passed away today. Same day as Jim Henson, 22 years ago”

Nina Garcia: "I don't care if I'm beautiful; I don't care what I am on the outside. It isn't about the outside." RIP Donna Summer”

Boyz II Men: "It's unfortunate that we have to say goodbye to another amazing talent. Donna Summer, Queen of Disco, our condolences to her family!"

Mario Lopez: “R.I.P Donna Summer...I remember roller skating to hits like "Last Dance" "Hot Stuff" & "Bad Girls." Synonymous with the 70's.. #QueenOfDisco”

William Shatner: “My heart and thoughts go out to the family of Donna Summer. MBB”

Debra Messing: "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! What a loss. What a voice. #RIP"

Bethenny Frankel: "So sad about Donna Summer passing away. Her music was such a big part of my life & memories. I wasn't ready for her 'last dance.'"

La Toya Jackson: "My condolence to #Donna Summer's family & love ones. She will be terribly missed. She was truly the #Disco Queen!"

"American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe: "One of my favorite singers of all time, Donna Summer, is dead. She defined dance music in the 70's and had a wonderful voice and personality"

Alyssa Milano: "I used to do interpretative dance in my living room to Donna Summer's music when I was a little girl. Rest in peace."

Timbaland: "i cant believe this RIP Donna Summer. at a lost 4words"

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