On Friday, one day after the Grammy-winning singer's death at age 63, her family confirmed that she succumbed to lung cancer, as was rumored. But, defying common misconceptions about the disease, her loved ones explain that the "Last Dance" singer's cancer "was not related to smoking."
"Ms. Summer was a non-smoker," the new family statement says of the chart-topping "Last Dance" crooner. "Obviously, numerous factors can be attributed to the cause of cancer in general, but any details regarding the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of Ms. Summer's case remain between her family and team of doctors."
Summer is survived by husband of 32 years Bruce Sudano, their daughters Brooklyn, 31, and Amanda, 29, plus Mimi, her eldest daughter from her first husband, actor Helmut Sommer.
A private memorial will be held for Summer in Nashville, Tenn. -- where the star moved in the mid-1990s -- Wednesday May 30.
"While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy," the family said in an earlier Thursday statement.
I salute you Ms. Summer you lived, you loved and you were truly "The Disco Diva"... Now dance on in heaven!
