Obama ‘saddened' by Donna Summer's death

ByABC News
May 17, 2012, 7:37 PM

— -- President Barack Obama said Thursday that he and first lady Michelle Obama were "saddened" to hear of the death of "Disco Queen" Donna Summer.

"Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna's family and her dedicated fans," the president said in a written statement.

The big-voiced star had '70s hits with "I Feel Love" and "Last Dance" and scored a 1983 smash with "She Works Hard for the Money." In December 2009, she performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, honoring Obama.

The president also mourned the passing of Dick Clark back in April. But he kept mum about the deaths of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Beastie Boy MCA (Adam Yauch), a fervent activist on behalf of people in Tibet.

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