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.
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.
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."
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.
Top Comments
How incredibly heartbreaking for her family.