Honk Kong's beloved Anita Mui dies

HONG KONG, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- One of Hong Kong's most beloved celebrities, Anita Mui, died Tuesday from cervical cancer, Channel News Asia.com reported.

Mui was 40.

Often referred to as the "Madonna of Hong Kong" because her popularity mirrored that of the American pop diva, Mui announced in September that she had cancer.

Since her 1984 debut with her hit single "Homecoming," Mui had reigned as the country's top singer and actress. She was known for her outrageous costumes and stage performances.

In 1987 Mui won the Taiwanese Golden Horse award for best actress for her role as a tormented ghost in the movie "Rouge."

Film legend Jackie Chan and actress Michelle Yeoh were at the star's bedside when she died, the BBC News reported.

"She went peacefully and beautifully," Chan said. "Her own last wish was that her fans and reporters could let her go quietly, not to cry and call out her name."