‘Village People’ Singer Victor Willis’ Cause of Death Revealed

Village People singer Victor Willis died on June 30, and his official cause of death has been revealed. He was 74 years old at the time of his passing.

Willis’ wife, Karen Willis, shared a post on Facebook, saying that he died of primary liver cancer with metastasis.

“Primary liver cancer runs in Victor’s family as his mother also died of primary liver cancer, and so has several other relatives,” she wrote.

Karen initially broke the news of the singer’s death in June, saying he died after “a short but aggressive illness.”

Willis was a member of the popular disco group, having famously co-wrote hit songs including Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” “Go West” and “In The Navy.” In July, his Village People bandmates came together and honored the singer in a very heartfelt tribute, all showing up to the funeral dressed and ready as if they were going to perform a show. It was James Kwong; the construction worker; Nicholas Manelick, the cowboy; Javier Perez, the Native American; James Lee, the G.I.; and J.J. Lippold, the leather man, who were spotted in costume based on photos obtained by TMZ.

As for Willis, he always dressed as the group’s police officer. He was one of the founding members in 1977, and after a break, he rejoined the band in 2017.

Following his death, many tributes poured in, including from President Donald Trump, who said he would think of Willis every time he hears the song “Y.M.C.A.” Trump shared a message on social media following news of his passing, remembering him as ” a great and happy guy.”

“They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song,” Trump wrote. “We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!”