Stars react to George Michael's passing

On Dec. 25, 2016, "Careless Whisper" singer George Michael passed away at the age of 53, at his home in Oxfordshire. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," his publicist confirmed to BBC. His cause of death is still unknown, but according to police, "there were no suspicious circumstances." Stars quickly took to social media to remember the iconic artist.

"I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans.@GeorgeMichael #RIP." —Elton John

"Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx" — Andrew Ridgeley, George Michael's Wham! bandmate

"George Michael's sweet soul music will live on even after his sudden death. Having worked with him on a number of occasions his great talent always shone through and his self deprecating sense of humor made the experience even more pleasurable." – Paul McCartney, who posted this message on Twitter on Dec. 26

"I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time." – James Corden, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad." —Ellen DeGeneres, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham" —Ryan Reynolds, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always! @happyhippiefdn" —Miley Cyrus, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"My love. My spirit and my heart is with you and your loved ones. In your beautiful words- 'I think you're amazing' 
You're my friend for saying you would sing at my wedding…. we will speak through our prayers always – i have you as an angel above. I love you darling. Thank you for inspiring so many true people. Angel 💙💚💛❤️💜💗💖" —Lindsay Lohan, who posted this message via Instagram on Dec. 25

"Floored by the news of George Michael's passing. A fantastic & talented singer. Soulful… #80sKid #Wham #CarelessWhisper #Faith #Freedom#FatherFigure #IWantYourSex #LastChristmas" —Mario Lopez, who posted this message via Instagram on Dec. 25

"I Won't Let You Down
I Will Not Give You Up
Gotta Have Some Faith In The Sound
It's The One Good Thing That I've Got
I Won't Let You Down
So Please Don't Give Me Up
'Cause I Would Really, Really Love, To Stick Around, Oh Yeah…
#RestInParadise George Michael #Freedom #YouveGottaGiveForWhatYouTake" — Rosario Dawson, who posted this message via Instagram on Dec. 25

"So so sad , R.I.P George, a dear friend, the kindest, most generous & talented person. My thoughts are with his family.#GeorgeMichael" –Geri Halliwell, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"Had the pleasure of knowing George Michael in the 80s. Voice of an angel. Now he can sing for them." —Rob Lowe, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"So sad to hear @GeorgeMichael passed away today. Loved his music and his heart. #LastChristmas #RIP" –Katie Couric, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"I can't believe George Michael has died . One of my favorite singers… gone too young  #RIP" —Victoria Justice, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"I will miss your voice, rest in peace Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou." –Nia Vardalos, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"So saddened to hear about the passing of George Michael today. He was a truly gifted singer and a musical inspiration. #RIPGeorgeMichael" —Nick Lachey, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"George Michael?!?!? Nooooooo! 2016 has been brutal. Show ppl you love them everyday. Life is too short" —Gabrielle Union, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"Sad news on Christmas…2016 takes George Michaels. I did a photo shoot with him once. If you can find the shots please post them? #peace" –Melissa Etheridge, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting "Last Christmas" now 🙏" –One Direction, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"Omg #GeorgeMichael noooo! No No No No No! We have lost too many beautiful souls this year. #rip you will be greatly missed." —LeAnn Rimes, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"cannot believe the sad news about George Michael passing away.. You and your music will forever live in my HEART…❤️" —Adriana Lima, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"Another beautiful voice gone too soon. #ripgeorgemichael" –Josh Groban, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"RIP George Micheal at only 53 has passed away. So many amazing songs and videos growing up. #faith #freedom #carelesswhisper" –Dane Cook, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"#2016 is savage. #RIPGeorgeMichael" –Holly Robinson Peete, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"2016. Really? REALLY?! George Michael?! Unbelievably sad." –Kevin McHale, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25

"RIP #georgemichael as a young girl, I would dance around my room, with a grin on my face,listening to George Michael. May you find peace and #freedom" –Shannen Doherty, who posted this message via Twitter on Dec. 25