George Michael's Boyfriend Speaks Out

On Christmas Day, fans were sent reeling when news broke that George Michael was dead at just 53 years old from heart failure. Although the BBC reported that the "Freedom" singer "passed away peacefully at home," it was still completely unexpected, and now, it sounds like those closest to him were just as shocked as the rest of us. On Tuesday, his boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, spoke out about Michael's death, and his words only emphasize how truly sudden it was.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Fawaz explained what happened when he woke up on Sunday morning to find Michael dead, and it's heartbreaking to hear the story from his point of view. According to Fawaz, it was like any other morning — they were going to spend the holiday together and had plans with friends and family, something he says Michael was looking forward to. But all of that changed when he went to wake his boyfriend up to get ready for the day's events.

Fawaz said:

"We were supposed to be going for Christmas lunch. I went 'round there to wake him up and he was just gone, lying peacefully in bed. We don't know what happened yet. Everything had been very complicated recently, but George was looking forward to Christmas, and so was I. Now everything is ruined. I want people to remember him the way he was — he was a beautiful person."

Shortly after Michael's death, his family released the following statement via the Thames Valley Police:

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.

It's impossible to imagine what Fawaz must be going through in the days after his partner's death, but one thing is for sure: Michael's music and legacy will definitely live on.