George Michael's Tombstone Unveiled Five Years Following His Death On Christmas Day 2016
Dec. 18 2021, Published 3:45 p.m. ET
George Michael's resting place has finally been revealed five years after his tragic death that took place at his home in South Oxfordshire, England.
The headstone that features a simple rectangular marble slab has now been marked to allow fans to pay their tribute to their beloved musician.
The Sun reported the news showing pictures of the gravestone with his real name Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou engraved on it along with the date of his birth, "25 June 1963," and the date of his passing, "25 December 2016."
A note that described the A Different Corner singer as "Beloved Son, Brother, Friend" was also inscribed on the marble stone.
An insider explained the musician's headstone was not imprinted for the past years due to fear of it being targeted by visitors.
"George's grave was left unmarked over fears it would become a morbid tourist attraction," the source claimed. "But a lot of people believed he deserved better."
Michael's headstone was placed next to his loved ones, mother, Lesley Angold Panayiotou, and sister, Melanie Panayiotou.
In 2016 the pop star was found dead at his home on Christmas Day at the age of 53.
Officials shared, "Thames Valley Police were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2 p.m. Christmas Day. Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious."
However, according to his manager, Michael Lippman, the British crooner had died of heart failure.
His family issued a statement via his publicist to announce his passing.
"It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother, and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," the statement read. "The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."
Exactly three years later, his sister had died in 2019. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the death via a statement, writing, "Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 1935hrs on Wednesday, 25 December to reports of the sudden death of a woman, aged in her 50s," before adding the "death is not being treated as suspicious by police."
Michael first found fame as a member of the music duo Wham! in 1981 with Andrew Ridgeley. Their first two albums, Fantastic and Make It Big, made number one on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. Six years later, he embarked on a successful solo career. His first single Careless Whisper topped number one in over 20 countries.