Village People Singer Victor Willis Dies at 74

Victor Willis, the lead singer of the disco group Village People and a co-writer of their iconic hit "Y.M.C.A.," died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the age of 74. His death was announced by his family, who stated he succumbed to a "short, but aggressive illness." Willis, born in Texas and raised in San Francisco, rose to fame in the 1970s as a prominent member of the Village People, known for their flamboyant costumes and catchy songs.

His passing was marked by tributes from various figures, including President Donald Trump. Trump, who frequently used "Y.M.C.A." at his rallies, shared a post on Truth Social praising Willis as a "great and happy guy" and noting how the song experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past six years due to its use at his events. Trump recalled the "enormous" rally attendance records set and expressed his condolences to Willis's family and the group, stating that "YMCA" would evoke memories of Willis.

Willis was a prolific contributor to the Village People's catalog, helping to craft many of their well-known hits. The group's distinctive image and music became synonymous with the disco era. His wife, Karen Huff Willis, also shared a statement and a photograph of him in his Village People costume, requesting privacy for the family during their time of grief. The announcement of his death came with a request for privacy, as noted on his official Facebook page.