This week, George Michael's sister shared her love for her brother. She died two days later.

At approximately 19:35 on Christmas Day, police were called to the London home of Melanie Panayiotou. While her name may not be instantly recognisable, you’ll know that of her famous late sibling – singer George Michael.

The legendary 80s icon died on December 25, 2016, age 53, due to dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver. His younger sister Melanie passed away this week, exactly three years later, aged 55. Her body was discovered by their older sister, Yioda Panayiotou.

Although the cause of death is yet to be released, London Metropolitan police have stated that Melanie’s “sudden death” is “not being treated as suspicious”.

George Michael appears on the first-ever Carpool Karaoke with James Corden. Post continues below.

While George was a LGBT activist, best-selling artist and philanthropist to most, Melanie knew her brother simply as “yog,” which was derived from the Greek pronunciation of George. A hairdresser by trade, she accompanied him on world tours, was one of his closest friends in the months before his death and helped continue his legacy after.

We look back at their close relationship.

Her last public message spoke of celebrating George’s music.

On December 23, two days before her death, Melanie issued a joint statement with Yioda, their father, Jack Panayiotou, and former manager David Austin. Addressing George’s fans, the family honoured the singer’s legacy and “generosity of spirit”.

“It seems important that his generosity of spirit and natural empathy have touched you in a way that would have him embarrassed, all your kind words are really good to hear and we know you have always known his true heart,” it read.

A message from George’s family. Please read here: https://t.co/W3iGGog7GG pic.twitter.com/t8NazyVSZy

— George Michael Official (@GeorgeMOfficial) December 23, 2019

“We will be swerving the bad and enjoying the good as much as we can this coming year (2019 has been difficult and busy for George’s hardworking team).

“We’ll close by saying, don’t forget to say your ‘I Love You’s’ and enjoy your celebrations wherever you are. Thank you so much for your kind messages, they lift us when things are tough.”

“He shows his generosity in subtle ways.”

Speaking to No. 1 magazine in 1985, Melanie spoke of spending time with her brother while he was on tour.

“He shows his generosity in subtle ways. Like he won’t go out and buy jewellery, furs, cars and the like for the family,” she said.

“But then he’ll be going on a world tour and suddenly there are air tickets, hotel bookings and the entire works for Mum, Dad, my sister and I. And what better than the chance to see China, Japan, America, The Far East. It’s lovely.”

According to The Guardian and The Mirror, Melanie also used to cut his hair and do his makeup when they travelled together.

She defended her brother against claims he was uncomfortable with his sexuality.

Despite being recognised as a proud advocate for the LGBT community, singer Elton John made claims on Sharon Osborne’s show, The Talk, that George was "uncomfortable" being gay, which fuelled his drug addictions.

"I had two alternatives: one, to die, and one to live, and I wanted to live. But that’s the difference if you want it, and poor George didn’t want it," said the 'Rocket Man' singer, who is also a recovering addict.

"He was so uncomfortable in his skin about being gay even though he said he wasn’t."

Writing for The Big Issue - an independent magazine which benefits homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people - in 2019, Melanie denied Elton's accusations.

She wrote of her "‘very proud to be gay’ brother — contrary to what you may have read recently!)".

Melanie was the one to break the news of George's death to his bandmate.

After George's death in 2016, Melanie was the one who told his close friend and former Wham! collaborator, Andrew Ridgeley.

Writing about the 'crushing moment' in his 2019 book, Wham! George Michael & Me, the musician said the unexpected call was like "a punch to the gut".

“I honestly thought she was calling to wish me a happy Christmas, or maybe she was with George and the family, and they were ringing to arrange a get-together,” he wrote.

“There was certainly nothing to hint at the awful news that followed — that George had passed away.”

"The news hit me like a punch to the gut. It was as if my world had been pulled out from underneath me.

“I put down the phone and, doubled over in grief, began to sob…I felt crushed by sadness," he said.

 

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A post shared by Andrew Ridgeley (@andrewjohnridgeley) on Oct 1, 2019 at 9:30am PDT

Days after Melanie's death on December 27, Ridgeley tweeted a tribute to George's sister.

"Utterly tragic news of Mel Panayiotou’s passing. My thoughts are with her sister and father at this desperately sad time," he wrote.

Utterly tragic news of Mel Panayiotou’s passing. My thoughts are with her sister and father at this desperately sad time.

— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 27, 2019

Paul Feig, the director of Last Christmas also shared his condolences on Twitter. The festive rom-com featured several songs from George Michael and Wham! and he credited her involvement as "instrumental".

"This is so incredibly awful. Melanie was so instrumental in getting us the songs we needed for ⁦Last Christmas. It is just unbearably sad," he wrote.

"There are no words. RIP Mel and so much love to the rest of the family."

This is so incredibly awful. Melanie was so instrumental in getting us the songs we needed for ⁦@lastchristmas⁩. It is just unbearably sad. There are no words. RIP Mel and so much love to the rest of the family. https://t.co/9HI2GEVLd9

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) December 27, 2019

Writing for The Big Issue, Melanie shared her excitement for the film.

"My family and I hope you all enjoy the film, and Yog’s music old and new, woven beautifully into this fun, easy tale of love and self-love," she wrote.

"As many of you know, Yog adored Christmas and he loved the idea of this film. I am sure he will be enjoying seeing Emilia’s amazing light bulb smile, something they share, across the celestial miles!"

George left her millions in his will.

After three years of legal issues, George's will and estate was finally divided in June 2019.

The Sun stated there were 11 beneficiaries to George's $177 million estate and Yioda and Melanie were left with the bulk of his major assets. His father, Jack was given a horseracing stud farm and the singer left a number of artwork, antiquities, and a piano which belonged to John Lennon to his charity trust, The Mill Charitable Trust.

His other beneficiaries also included his producer (David Austin), publicist (Connie Filippello), ex-PA (Michelle May), former backup singer (Shirlie Kemp), cousin (Alex Georgiou), and friends - Kay Beckenham and Sonia Bird.

Feature image: Getty.