Victor Willis, the distinctive lead singer of the disco sensation Village People, has died at the age of 74.

His passing was announced by his wife, Karen-Huff Willis, and the band through Facebook posts on Wednesday.

Willis died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after a brief but aggressive illness.

Willis was a pivotal figure in the Village People, co-founding the group and contributing to the creation of their most enduring hits, including "Y.M.C.C.A.," "In the Navy," and "Macho Man." These songs became global dancefloor anthems in the late 1970s, defining an era of pop culture with their flamboyant costumes and iconic choreography.

The group's appeal resonated strongly with disco's large gay audience, featuring camp fantasy characters like the butch builder, biker, cowboy, and soldier.

After an initial departure in 1980, Willis rejoined the Village People in 2017.

This return was facilitated by a 2012 court ruling that granted him partial ownership of the copyrights to more than two dozen of the band's songs, including their biggest hits.

This development was significant as it allowed him to regain creative and financial control over his work, paving the way for his return to the group.

Willis openly discussed his past struggles with drug addiction, telling the San Diego Union Tribune in 2015 that he became depressed and turned to drugs, leading to a plea deal for cocaine possession in 2006.

"Y.M.C.A.," despite its origins as an anthem for the LGBTQ community, has seen its use evolve, notably being featured at rallies for former President Trump.

Willis clarified in 2020 that neither he nor the Village People endorsed Trump, attributing the song's use to copyright laws.

However, he did perform "Y.M.C.A." at a Trump rally in January 2025, prior to Trump's second inauguration, stating at the time, "Let's give President Trump a chance...

if he does things to restrict LGBTQ rights, Village People will be the first to speak out."