The iconic singer -- best known for his success in the early '80s with Wham! and then a solo career that kicked off with the hit, "Careless Whisper" -- died on Sunday at his home in London. He was 53.
NEWS: George Michael Dies at 53
Michael's good friend, Elton John, took to Instagram to honor the late singer.
"I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist," John wrote alongside a photo of him and Michael. "My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP."
British actor Ricky Gervaias was one of the first to post on social media, where he alluded to how difficult 2016 has been. "Unbelievable," he tweeted. "RIP George Michael."
Unbelievable.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael.
And supermodel Linda Evangelista, who starred in the music video for Michael's iconic "Freedom! '90," shared a black-and-white photo with the singer on Instagram.
"I am beyond heartbroken and devastated by another tragic loss," she captioned the pic. "R.I.P. dearest Georgy."
A photo posted by Linda Evangelista (@lindaevangelista) on
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See how other stars have reacted to the news:
A photo posted by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on
Man, I loved his music. One of my all time favorites. Gone too soon. #RIPGeorgeMichael
A photo posted by Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure) on
Had the pleasure of knowing George Michael in the 80s. Voice of an angel. Now he can sing for them.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 26, 2016
#RIPGeorgeMichael. You were an absolute genius. My sincerest condolences go out to your family, David, Michael and your whole team
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) December 26, 2016
I was just at his home the morning of our last @CHICorg show on Dec 23rd in London. I'm stunned #RIPGeorgeMichael My heartfelt condolences.
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) December 26, 2016
RIP George Michael
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 25, 2016
absolutely devastated about george michael. what a fucked up way to end this year. rest in peace my friend....
— Belinda Carlisle (@belindaofficial) December 26, 2016
I can't deal with this. One of my ALL TIME favorites. RIP George Michael and I really hate writing that so much. https://t.co/1cRJBMgYga
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) December 25, 2016
God Bless George Michael , Say a prayer for him . A nice human .
— Meat Loaf (@RealMeatLoaf) December 25, 2016
M
My god. Rest in paradise @GeorgeMichael--an icon, an ally, a legend. pic.twitter.com/MfxPVFG0B2
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) December 25, 2016
Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always! @happyhippiefdnpic.twitter.com/nBCxjEstDo
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) December 26, 2016
10 Christmases ago today James Brown died. Today, George Michael... RIP...
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) December 26, 2016
I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016
George Michael wrote Praying for Time 25 years ago but I truly believe it's message means more now than ever. https://t.co/f03zlWYbLa
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael. I can't believe it. Such an incredible singer and a lovely human being, far too young to leave us #georgemichael
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) December 25, 2016
Rest peacefully George Micheal