Who was George Michael’s sister Melanie Panayiotou and how did she die?
DURING his life, George Michael was known for his close bond with his sister Melanie Panayiotou.
In a sad turn of events, she died three years to the day that her famous brother did.
Who was Melanie Panayiotou?
Melanie Panayiotou was a hairdresser and the sister of the late popstar George Michael.
The siblings were very close and she often joined him on tour.
Her last public appearance came in November 2019, just a month before she died on Christmas Day.
Melanie spoke about the film Last Christmas, which focused on her bother's music.
"I am sure he will be enjoying seeing Emilia [Clarke]’s amazing light bulb smile, something they share, across the celestial miles!
"And, most importantly, we all, together with our dear departed Yog, wish a very merry, merry Christmas to Big Issue sellers and readers alike."
How did Melanie Panayiotou die?
In a sad parody, just like her famous brother George, Melanie died on Christmas Day.
At the time, it was understood she had suffered a short illness before she passed away in hospital on December 25, 2019.
However, in 2020 it was revealed the Melanie died from diabetic ketoacidosis, which is caused by a lack of insulin and high blood sugar, with diabetes given as an underlying cause of death,.
When did George Michael die?
Music icon George died aged 53, at home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on December 25, 2016.
An inquest later revealed he had died from heart failure and liver disease.
The Wham! singer had a successful solo career and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
The star had seven number one singles in the UK and enjoyed collaborations with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John and Queen, after the death of Freddie Mercury.