Victor Willis, the 74-year-old lead singer of the influential 1970s disco ensemble Village People, has died, according to a statement released by his team on Wednesday. A post on the band’s official Facebook page confirmed the passing, stating, “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People.” The announcement noted that he passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, due to a short but aggressive illness, and requested privacy for his family. His wife, Karen Huff Willis, shared a similar message on social media.
Born in Texas, Willis was a co-founder and the original frontman for the group, known for iconic disco anthems including “Y.M.C.A.,” “Go West,” and “In the Navy.” Following the news of his death, President Donald Trump offered a tribute on Truth Social, describing Willis as a “great and happy guy” who enjoyed the president’s frequent use of “Y.M.C.A.” at campaign rallies. Trump remarked that he would think of Willis every time the song is played.
Willis originally left the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career before returning to help reform the flamboyant disco act in 2017, a move that sparked legal disputes with former bandmates. The popularity of “Y.M.C.A.,” for which Willis frequently performed in a police costume, saw a significant resurgence after it was used extensively at Trump’s 2020 campaign rallies. Initially, Willis stated he received thousands of complaints and asked the president to cease using the song. However, in a 2024 statement, he decided not to intervene, noting that Trump seemed to genuinely enjoy the track and that the financial benefits had been positive.
Willis performed the song at a pre-inauguration rally for President Trump in January 2025. Addressing the meaning behind the hit, he previously dismissed the idea that “Y.M.C.A.” was intended as a “gay anthem.” Instead, he explained that the lyrics were inspired by his personal experiences at the Y in urban San Francisco, specifically mentioning activities like basketball, swimming, track, and the availability of affordable food and lodging.
