George Michael’s sister found dead on anniversary of singer’s death

Pop icon passed away on Christmas Day in 2016

The sister of late singer George Michael was found dead on Christmas Day.

It was the three-year anniversary of the pop icon's death.

»PREVIOUS COVERAGE: George Michael is dead at 53

Reports say Melanie Panayiotou, 55, was found dead Wednesday at her home in North London.

George Michael was 53 when he died on Christmas Day 2016 at his home in the Goring-on-Thames village, in Oxfordshire, England.

A coroner's report revealed in March 2017 that the singer died from heart failure and liver disease.

Michael willed most of his multimillion-dollar estate to Melanie and his other older sister, Yioda Panayiotou.

Reports say Melanie and Michael were close.

A hairdresser, she traveled with Michael on tour at the height of his music career and worked on his looks, reports said.

The sister of late singer George Michael was found dead on Christmas Day. It was the three-year anniversary of the pop icon's death. Reports say Melanie Panayiotou, 55, was found dead Wednesday at her home in North London.

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Panayiotou had reportedly become ill not long before she died, according to family, who were described in reports as being “absolutely devastated” at the news of her death.

Yioda was with Panayiotou at the time and called for help, reports said.

An official cause of death has not yet been determined.

London Metropolitan Police said they do not suspect foul play.

A statement was issued through the family lawyer, John Reid, which said, "We can confirm that very tragically Melanie has passed away suddenly. We would simply ask that the family's privacy be respected at this very sad time."

People magazine reports that in the days before the anniversary of Michael’s death, Panayiotou thanked his fans for their continued support. She was said to be alongside Yioda, Michael’s father, Jack, and longtime manager David Austin.

»RELATED: George Michael set his own agenda on way to artistic fame

George Michael was a major pop music star from the 1980s through the 2010s. He’s known as one of the best-selling musicians of all time, often mentioned in the same breath as his contemporaries Michael Jackson and Prince, both of whom are also deceased.

Michael’s hits "Last Christmas," "Careless Whisper" and "Faith," among others, continue to be heard and replayed around the world.

He first rose to fame in 1981 as a member of the musical duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley, who also paid tribute to Melanie Panayiotou on Friday.

“Utterly tragic news of Mel Panayiotou’s passing," he wrote, according to People magazine. "My thoughts are with her sister and father at this desperately sad time.”