Few people worldwide are unfamiliar with the music on the soundtracks of Flashdance and Fame.
That's why it was so shocking and saddening for many to learn of the death of Irene Cara, 63, the singer behind the aforementioned soundtracks that became some of the most famous music of her time and well after.
According to the Washington Examiner, it was announced this week that Cara passed away at her Florida residence. Her publicist, Judith Moore, issued a statement, posting it to Twitter.
"This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can't believe I've had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I'll be reading each and every one of them and know she'll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans," Moore wrote.
This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can't believe I've had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I'll be reading each and every one of them and know she'll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans. - JM pic.twitter.com/TsC5BwZ3fh
— Irene Cara (@Irene_Cara) November 26, 2022
The statement concluded by requesting that Cara's family be given a period of privacy to carry on with the grieving process.
The family hasn't released the cause of death as of this writing.
Tributes to the singer's life and career poured in across social media after news of her death hit the headlines. Some of those tributes expressed gratitude for Cara inspiring their own careers.
If it wasn’t for the show “fame” I never would have known that I can sing, play cello & violin and dance.
Thank you for inspiring this little girl from Chicago 🦚
May perpetual light shine upon her.— Bathroom Ceiling Fresco (@MariaKChica) November 26, 2022
Another user commented on the fond memories they had of Cara keeping them entertained as children.
I was born in ‘69 and a latch-key kid of the 80’s so “The Electric Company” & “Fame” are touchstones from growing up. Her voice was unique and relentlessly beautiful. pic.twitter.com/ZjbO5DlG9z
— Jimi Jamm (@jimijamm) November 26, 2022
Cara was nothing short of a vocal legend, and she will clearly be missed by hordes of adoring fans in addition to her family and friends.