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Obama Mourns Donna Summer

'Her voice was unforgettable,' says president

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May 18, 2012 8:45 AM ET
barack obama
Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to a soldier's family at an event at the White House.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

President Obama joined music fans around the world in mourning Donna Summer yesterday by releasing an official statement that he and First Lady Michelle Obama were saddened to learn of the Queen of Disco's death.

"Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna's family and her dedicated fans," the president said in a written statement.

Obama does not comment on every major celebrity death. Though he did say some words about Dick Clark last month, he never spoke on the record about the passing of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston or Adam Yauch.

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