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Nashville memorial planned for Donna Summer

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Donna Summer died at the age of 63 from lung cancer complications. UPI/Michael Bush
Donna Summer died at the age of 63 from lung cancer complications. UPI/Michael Bush 
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Published: May 18, 2012 at 2:06 PM

NASHVILLE, May 18 (UPI) -- Donna Summer's family says a private memorial service for the disco music icon is being planned for next week in her adopted home of Nashville.

Summer, who lived in the Tennessee city since 1994, died Thursday in Florida from complications of lung cancer. She was 63.

Her relatives told TMZ Wednesday's memorial will take place in Nashville because the singer loved the city. Only close friends and family are invited to attend, the celebrity news Web site said.

No other details regarding the service were immediately available.

"A five-time Grammy Award winner, Donna truly was the 'Queen of Disco,'" said a statement from President Barack Obama. "Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon."

Aretha Franklin was among many others to offer Summer's family, friends and fans her condolences.

"So shocking to hear about the passing of Donna Summer," Franklin said in a statement issued to People.com. "In the '70s, she reigned over the disco era and kept the disco jumping. Who will forget, 'Last Dance?' [She was] a fine performer and a very nice person."

Barbra Streisand said she was "shocked" to hear the news.

"She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago," Streisand told People.com Thursday. "I loved doing [a] duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. It's so sad."

Topics: Donna Summer, Barbra Streisand, Barack Obama, Aretha Franklin
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