Donna Summer dead at 63

New York - Disco queen Donna Summer, whose pulsing anthems such as Last Dance, Love to Love You Baby and Bad Girls became the soundtrack for a glittery age of sex, drugs, dance and flashy clothes, has died. She was 63.

TMZ reported she died of cancer and that was trying to keep the extent of her illness under wraps, who was reportedly in Florida at the time of her death.

Her family released a statement on Thursday saying Summer died and that they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy".

Summer gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s and released a number of albums that have reached gold or platinum status, including the multiplatinum Bad Girls and On the Radio, Volume I & II.

Her No 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits include Hot Stuff and MacArthur Park.

Her sound was a mix of genres and helped her earn Grammy Awards in the dance, rock, R&B and inspirational categories.

She released her last album, Crayons, in 2008. She also performed on American Idol that year with its top female contestants.

Summer was reportedly trying to finish up an album she had been working on.