Village People singer Victor Willis, 74, dies after ‘short and aggressive illness’

Victor Willis, the frontman of Village People, has died at the age of 74.

The American disco group’s social media page announced the sad news in a short statement on Wednesday (1 July).

Their post read: “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People.

“Victor passed on Tuesday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”

As reported by Metro, the singer’s wife Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed the tragic news, as she wrote: ”‘It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, Victor Willis.”

The Texas-born star was the frontman and co-writer of the group’s biggest hits, such as the iconic ‘YMCA,’ as well as ‘Go West’ and ‘In The Navy’.

Willis teamed up with French producer Jacques Morali to create Village People in the 1970s.

Following the release of ‘YMCA’ the band shot to fame quickly and became known for their on-stage costumes and suggestive lyrics.

Village People frontman Victor Willis has died aged 74 (Earl Gibson III/WireImage)

In 1980, Willis left the band, before later returning and touring the globe as the only remaining original member.

In recent years, the group and their songs have seen a surge in popularity after YMCA began being regularly played at US President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies and events.

As reported by The Sun, Willis previously said: “The financial benefits have been great … YMCA is estimated to gross several million dollars since the President Elect’s continued use of the song.

“Therefore, I’m glad I allowed the President-Elect’s continued use of YMCA. And I thank him for choosing to use my song.”

However, he did later reveal that the group asked him to 'stop playing his music at his rallies'.

In 2012, the star won a legal battle over the rights to tracks including 'YMCA' and 'In The Navy,' and was awarded a 33 per cent share of the credits, which was later upped to 50 per cent, The Independent reports.

Tributes have been flooding in for the star on social media from fans and celebrities alike.

In recent years, the song 'YMCA' has had a resurgence after being played at Trump rallies (Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)

One X user wrote: "nooo way, YMCA is literally the first choreography everyone learns as a kid. RIP to a legend," while a second added: "What a heartbreaking loss. Victor Willis gave the world pure joy through YMCA and so many other timeless anthems. His voice and energy lit up generations and will keep doing so. Rest in peace."

A third penned: "Very sad news, his songs will always remain immortal in our memories," while a fourth agreed: "74 is way too young, YMCA is literally the soundtrack to every celebration ever."

And a fifth fan paid tribute by writing: "Rest in peace Victor Willis, thank you for the joy YMCA brought to the world."