Victor Willis of the Village People Dies at 74
Victor Willis of the Village People dies of a “short but aggressive illness.” He was 74.
Victor Willis, the lead singer of the musical group Village People, has died.
Willis, the voice of such hits as “Y.M.C.A.,” “Go West” and “In the Navy, was 74.
“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People,” according to a statement posted on the band’sofficial Facebook Page.
“Victor passed on Tuesday June 30, 2026, of a short but aggressive illness,” the post continued. “Privacy is requested.”
His wife, Karen Huff Willis, posted a similar statement on Facebook.
Willis, who was born in Texas, was a co-founder, original lead singer and “cop” for the band.
He left the group in 1979 to start a solo career. He reformed the group in 2017, which led to disputes with former bandmates.
“Y.M.C.A.” recently saw a resurgence in popularity afterPresident Donald Trump started dancing to it at the end of his campaign rallies in 2020.
Willis received complaints about Trump’s use of the song and had decided to ask the president “to stop using Y.M.C.A. because his use had become a nuisance to me.”