Village People singer Victor Willis dies: what we know about cause of death

Victor Willis, the lead singer of the 1970s disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74.

“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People. Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested,” the band said in a statement on social media.

Willis, who was born in Texas, co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Go West,” “In The Navy,” and “YMCA.”

“YMCA” was released in 1978 and quickly became a fan favorite. In recent years, the song was played regularly at President Donald Trump’s rallies.

Willis initially requested that Trump stop using the song, but he later changed his stance and the group performed at a pre-inauguration rally ahead of Trump’s second term in the White House.

Speaking to TMZ in 2024, Willis said: “Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ has greatly benefited the song. For example, when Trump started using ‘Y.M.C.A’ the song shot back up to #2 on Billboard’s digital chart.”

This is a developing story. More to follow.