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Luciano Pavarotti Dies at Age 71

Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most iconic and remarkable tenor voices of his generation, died Thursday in his hometown of Modena, Italy. The 71-year-old opera superstar had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, for which he underwent surgery.

"In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness," Pavarotti's manager, Terri Robson, said in a statement.

Pavarotti, who first became a star of the opera world in the mid-1960s, can be considered with little argument the most important male vocalist of his time. After a long and illustrious career, which took him through countless roles and made him a global ambassador for opera, he had embarked upon a farewell tour in 2004, which was interrupted by his cancer diagnosis. Pavarotti was also known worldwide as one of the original Three Tenors, with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, who toured and recorded under that name in the 1990s.

"I always admired the God-given glory of his voice -- that unmistakable special timbre from the bottom up to the very top of the tenor range," Domingo said in a statement. "I also loved his wonderful sense of humor and on several occasions of our concerts with Jose Carreras -- the so-called Three Tenors concerts -- we had trouble remembering that we were giving a concert before a paying audience, because we had so much fun between ourselves," he said.

The funeral will be held on Saturday at Modena's cathedral.

Watch Pavarotti's live performance from AOL Sessions

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George B Vieto

Luciano will be sorely missed beyond words. Rest in peace.

September 09 2007 at 2:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
eden

When I first "heard" opera it was during the very first performance of the Three Tenors. Tears came to my eyes and I asked an adoring fan/friend, "Oh, is this what Opera is about"? He said, "Now you know". "Pavarotti" became my main reason for my love of opera. Because of him my entire family knows opera, as I listened to him so often from then on. Now they all appreciate a sound they never quite understood. My son plays it for my grandchildren, and I pray it goes on and on from there. Mr. Pavarotti is a gift I shall never take for granted and will always thank God for. May he rest in peace.
Affectionately,
Eden Brew Bassett
203/733/4450

September 08 2007 at 5:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Vendell

Here Here! To the Good Life He Had. Requiescat In Pace!

September 07 2007 at 11:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sunsetsurveyor

i was able to see him at his free concert in central park - he was wonderful!

September 07 2007 at 10:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ELOISA POBLETE

A great lose indeed. He was an icon - one of a kind. A great artist with a huge heart. We will all miss him.

September 07 2007 at 9:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to ELOISA POBLETE's comment
cora cuyegkeng

are you the same Eloisa Poblete from St. bridget's college - year 1967.
cora & gloria are looking for you.

September 17 2009 at 7:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kzallas

No words can express my sorrow at the passing of Luciano Pavarotti, a wonderful person with a glorious voice that the whole world will never forget. No living person in the world of opera has contributed so much and thanks to his many recordings his memory and glorious voice will live in our hearts forever.

My deepest and sincerest sympathy to his family.

Catherine Rosati
East Elmhurst, New York



September 07 2007 at 8:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Before I go to work today I want to say that the passing of Luciano Pavarotti is one of those events that feels for millions like the loss of a personal friend.

I am choosing to imagine the great tenor up in heaven with Caruso, Gigli, John McCormick, and Jusi Bjorling in a rather sublime glee club.

September 06 2007 at 12:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply