Victor Willis, the lead singer of disco group the Village People, died Monday at the age of 74. His family confirmed the news Tuesday.
The band released a statement saying: "We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People. Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested."
His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed his death in a separate statement, writing: "It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, Victor Willis. Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss."
Willis provided lead vocals on "Y.M.C.A.," one of the most recognized songs in American popular music. The track was released in 1978 and became an international hit. It was widely adopted as a gay anthem, with many interpreting the lyrics as a reference to the reputation of Young Men's Christian Association hostels as a popular gathering spot in the 1970s.
Willis later pushed back on that interpretation. In 2024, he stated that fans needed to "get their minds out of the gutter" and said the "false assumptions were damaging to the song," according to a report by Rolling Stone.
In recent years, Willis became closely associated with Donald Trump. He performed for the president after Trump adopted "Y.M.C.A." as a recurring song at his campaign rallies, and Willis was frequently seen dancing to it at those events.
The story is still developing.
