Donna Summer's Death: Elton John, Neil Patrick Harris, Kylie Minogue and More Stars Remember Disco Queen

Michelle Williams, Mario Lopez, Questo of the Roots, Ellen DeGeneres lament the loss of the "Hot Stuff" singer

By Rebecca Macatee May 17, 2012 6:23 PMTags
Donna SummerMichael Putland/Getty Images

Donna Summer, who passed away Thursday morning, is gone but certainly not forgotten.

"I'm so sad. This woman was the queen of disco and so much more," Sir Elton John told E! News. "Her records sound as good today as they ever did. That she has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a total disgrace, especially when I see the second-rate talent that has been inducted. She is a great friend to me and to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will miss her greatly."‪

Countless celebrities including Neil Patrick Harris, Kylie Minogue and Ellen DeGeneres took to Twitter to remember the legendary "Hot Stuff" singer.

"Donna Summer passed away today," Harris, 38, wrote. "Same day as Jim Henson, 22 years ago." The How I Met Your Mother star also linked to a video "in honor of both" of the Muppets performing "Hot Stuff."

"R.I.P. Donna Summer," Mario Lopez tweeted. "I remember roller skating to this like "Last Dance" "Hot Stuff" & "Bad Girls." Synonymous with the 70's. #QueenOfDisco"

"Donna Summer. Man I can't believe this--- like "My Baby Understands" was on my workout playlist this morning," Questo of the Roots (also known as Questlove) wrote. "This MORNING! God...I just..."

Daisy Fuentes wrote: " I will always love Donna Summer. So many wonderful memories. Such an amazing voice. A lovely lady. RIP Disco Queen."

"Shocked and saddened at the news of Donna Summer passing away!" Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child, tweeted. "Wow!"

Billy Ray Cyrus added: "R I P #Donna Summer LEGEND !!! Your music will live forever."

"I'm so sad about the news that Donna Summer died this morning," Ellen DeGeneres wrote. "I was a big fan. I even used one of her songs in my show that airs today."

"#TootTootHeyBeepBeep RIP Donna Summer," Kylie Minogue tweeted, also calling Summer "one of my earliest musical inspirations."

Ryan Seacrest wrote: "I remember sitting in the front seat of my mom's toyota while she sang Donna Summer's "she works hard for the money" songs were just classic"

Jaleel White told E! News: "She was one of the best guest stars we ever had on Family Matters. She will be missed." Summer guest starred as White's aunt on the sitcom.

Tommy Davidson, who toured with Summer early in his career, said in a statement: "Donna Summer used disco to bring the most unlikely people together—blacks, white and everyone in between. Donna was a role model, the consummate professional. Her guidance and inspiration will forever help me reach new heights as a performer. I cherish the days I toured with her. Love to love you, baby...truly. RIP."

Former American Idol finalist Pia Toscano told E! News: "I am so sad to hear of Donna Summer's passing…She was such an iconic woman. Thank you for blessing us with your angelic and powerful voice. My heart and prayers are with her family."

Barbra Streisand said: "I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented...It's so sad."

"just heard that #DonnaSummer died today. This is awful! She was so incredible," Natasha Bedingfield wrote. "Her and her family are some of the most beautiful people."

"RIP Donna Summer. glorious disco Goddess," wrote Adam Lambert.

Solange Knowles wrote: "Donna Summer- You have inspired me in so many ways....."

—Additional reporting by Sharareh Drury