Donna Summer: A look into “Queen of Disco’s” life and cause of death   

Donna Summer, popularly known as the Queen of Disco, was a legendary pop icon and five-time Grammy winner in the 70s. Summer had a very successful singing career, which earned her numerous hits and accolades.

Born in Boston, Summer started her career as a lead singer for a rock band before moving to New York City and Germany. She got into disco music while in Europe and created some hit numbers like “Love to Love you baby” and “I feel love”.

Summer returned to the US in 1976 and continued singing and was later named the “Queen of Disco. She also became an icon in the gay community and achieved success with superhits like Hot Stuff, Bad Girls and No more tears.

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When did Donna Summer die?

Summer was born in Boston. (Photo via Instagram/adorninsight)

Summer passed away on May 17, 2012. The news of her death was confirmed by her family, who said:

"Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can’t express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time.

Donna Summer is survived by her husband, Bruce Sudano, and their three children.

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How did Donna Summer pass away?

Donna Summer passed away due to lung cancer. (Photo via Instagram/sixtiessevnties and urbanthrowbacks)

Donna Summer passed away after a quiet battle with lung cancer, but she was a non-smoker. It was speculated that Summer’s cancer developed after inhaling dust from the 9/11 attacks.

Summer, who lived in an apartment in downtown Manhattan close to where the towers were hit and the tragic 9/11 incident took place, experienced fear and depression, which led her to retract from the outside world.

Following Summer’s death,, several reports suggested that her cancer was linked to smoking, but her family denied the claims and allegations. The representative of Donna Summer’s family, Brian Edward, said that they were inaccurate.

He also added that Summer’s cancer diagnosis and treatments were her private matter and were only between the medical team and her family.

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“Love to love You”, Donna Summer – a documentary presenting life and successful career of singer

Now more than a decade after Donna Summer’s death, Brooklyn Sudano, the singer’s daughter and Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams has released a documentary depicting the life and career of the renowned “Last Dance” singer.

The documentary “Love to Love You, Donna Summer” was released by HBO on May 20, 2023 and is now available to stream on HBO Max. The streaming website has described the documentary as a personal portrait of the singer on and off stage.

The documentary features home video footage and photographs of Donna Summer shot by herself.