Elton John pays emotional tribute to George Michael

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Musical icon Elton John has paid an emotional tribute to George Michael.

The star took to Facebook to speak of his sadness at the loss of his fellow gay musician and friend.

Elton spoke of being in “deep shock” at the news that George Michael has died aged 53.

He wrote: “I am in deep shock.

“I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist.

“My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of his fans.

“RIP George Michael.”

The two men had a song together, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.

In a Guardian interview with George Michael, he’d spoken of refusing Elton’s help in the past.

“He will not be happy until I bang on his door in the middle of the night saying, ‘Please, please, help me, Elton. Take me to rehab.’

“It’s not going to happen.

“Geri [Halliwell] told Kenny that Bono, having spoken to Elton, had approached Geri to say, ‘What can we do for George?’

“This is what I have to deal with because I don’t want to be part of that social clique.

“All I’d have to do to stop it is hang out in London, so people realise I don’t look close to death.”

The former Wham star was found dead at his home in Goring, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.

Thames Valley Police said the star’s death was “unexplained but not suspicious.”

His long-time manager Michael Lippman has spoken out to say he is “devastated” by Michael’s death.

He said he received a phone call on Sunday morning telling him that Michael had been found “in bed, lying peacefully”.