Photo credit: Victor Willis

Victor Willis, the founding lead singer of the iconic disco group Village People and co-writer of enduring hits including "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man," "In the Navy," and "Go West," has died following a short but aggressive illness. He was 74.

His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, announced his passing in a statement released on Tuesday, June 30.

"It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, VICTOR WILLIS. Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss."

Village People also confirmed Willis' death through the group's official social media accounts, describing him as its lead singer and founding member. No additional details about his illness were disclosed.

Willis co-founded Village People in 1977 and became one of the defining voices of the disco era. He co-wrote many of the group's biggest hits, including "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man," "In the Navy," and "Go West," songs that continue to be celebrated around the world decades after their release.

He left the group in 1979 to pursue a solo career before later successfully reclaiming a 50 percent share of the U.S. copyrights to several of Village People's best-known songs under U.S. copyright law. Willis reunited with the group in 2017 and remained its lead singer in recent years.

Tributes have begun pouring in from fans and fellow musicians around the world, remembering Willis for helping define the disco era and leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to resonate across generations.