Donna Summer Passes Away at 63

It was sadly reported that iconic singer-songwriter Donna Summer passed away earlier today (May 17) in Florida, and now sources say the family is preparing for the funeral which is expected to take place on Monday, May 21st.

After battling lung cancer, the Queen of Disco will be laid to rest during a surely emotional service in Nashville, Tennessee.

Family members of the "Hot Stuff" singer released a statement on Thursday which read: "Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy."

According to ET, Summer was diagnosed with lung cancer 10 months ago but chose to keep the illness a secret, telling only her husband and children.

Donna's passing comes as insiders tell TMZ that the 63-year-old was recently working on music for a new album - though it's unknown what was compiled and whether it will be finished up for a posthumous release.

Summer won five Grammy Awards during her long and illustrious career, which took off in the 1970's and reached its peak in the early 80's. Some of her best-known tracks include the hits “She Works Hard for Her Money", “Last Dance” and “Bad Girls”.

©2012, GossipCenter.com. All Rights Reserved