Mariah Carey pays heartbreaking tribute to friend George Michael: ‘He left us way too soon’

MARIAH Carey has paid a heartbreaking tribute to George Michael after his sudden death on Christmas Day.

Singer Mariah Carey has paid an emotional tribute to Wham! star George Michael after he was found dead on Christmas Day of suspected heart failure.

The All I Want for Christmas Is You star took to Twitter to remember her close friend George after his sudden death.

Mariah, 46, shared a picture of herself with George and other friends at a restaurant, writing: “George Michael. You were such an inspiration. I’m honoured to have not only been your fan, but a friend as well.

“May you rest in peace.”

The singer also shared a message on her official website, praising George for being an active ambassador to the LGBTQ community.

“This Christmas, we received the devastating news that beloved singer, songwriter and music producer George Michael passed away peacefully at his Oxfordshire home.

“George was only 53 at the time of his passing. He left us way too soon,” she added.

“He was a genius that gave us classics like Faith as well as boundary pushing singles I Want Your Sex and Father Figure.

 “He also gave us the FIRST modern Christmas classic with Last Christmas.”

The songstress added: “George was not only a great musician, he was an active ambassador in the LGBTQ community, pushing for greater understanding acceptance, and love for all people. He touched so many lives and inspired us all.”

Mariah finished by saying: “George Michael was an original. He changed music and his music changed lives.

“We’ll continue to mourn the loss of an incredible artist and friend but his music will keep us smiling and dancing, forever.”

It was announced the the Club Tropicana singer was found dead at his home on Christmas day, aged 53.

In a statement, the star's publicist said: "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 family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances, but the death was “unexplained”.

George’s partner, Fadi Fawaz, shared a heartbreaking message following the singer’s death, saying he discovered him in bed on the morning of Christmas Day.

"It's a xmas I will never forget finding your partner dead peacefully in bed first thing in the morning..,(sic)" he posted.

"I will never stop missing you xx."