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Victor Willis, the original lead singer of the legendary disco group Village People and co-writer of the global hit YMCA, has died after a brief but aggressive illness, his family has announced.
The news was confirmed in posts shared on Willis's official Facebook page and the band's official social media accounts. His wife said she shared the announcement with "profound sadness."
A statement on his Facebook page read: "Victor passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family requests privacy at this time of great loss."
Village People became one of the defining acts of the disco era during the late 1970s, celebrated for their upbeat music, theatrical performances and colourful costumes representing characters such as a construction worker, cowboy and biker. Willis was known for appearing as a policeman, naval officer and athlete during different performances.
The group enjoyed a string of international hits, including Macho Man, Go West—later famously covered by the Pet Shop Boys—and In the Navy. Their signature anthem, YMCA, became their biggest success, topping charts worldwide and earning multi-platinum status.
In 2020, YMCA was inducted into both the Grammy Hall of Fame and the U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry in recognition of its lasting cultural and historical significance.
Although the song became widely regarded as a gay anthem, Willis stated in 2024 that this had not been its original intention.
Willis left Village People in 1979, with several vocalists replacing him over the following decades. After his departure, the group starred in the 1980 comedy film Can't Stop the Music, loosely based on their rise to fame.
He returned to the band in 2017, helping revive and modernise the group's live performances.
The band's relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump attracted attention after YMCA was used during his 2020 re-election campaign, prompting an initial cease-and-desist request. However, the song was again featured during Trump's successful 2024 campaign, and a version of Village People later performed at events surrounding his 2025 inauguration.
The appearances drew criticism from former band member Jim Newman, who said the original group "would never ever" perform at a Trump rally. Willis had previously maintained that the band did not endorse Trump and welcomed fans from across the political spectrum enjoying their music.
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