Village People lead singer Victor Willis dies at 75

Victor Willis, the lead singer and co-writer of the iconic disco group Village People, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after a short illness. He was 75 years old. His death was confirmed by his wife, Karen Huff-Willis, and announced on the band's official social media accounts.

Willis, originally from Dallas, Texas, was the frontman and a founding member of Village People, whose string of hits in the late 1970s, including "Y.M.C.A.," "In The Navy," and "Go West," made them global stars. The group was known for performing in costumes representing archetypal macho characters, with Willis famously portraying a police officer and a naval officer.

His wife described his passing as the result of a "short, but aggressive illness." In a statement, she requested privacy for the family during their time of loss. Tributes from fans and supporters poured in across social media, with many expressing heartbreak and gratitude for his music.

Willis achieved enormous success during the disco era. The 1978 release of "Y.M.C.A." became a worldwide phenomenon, reportedly turning him into an overnight millionaire. At the peak of his fame, he once said he carried large sums of cash on his person. He...