Village People frontman Victor Willis breathes his last at 74

Village People frontman Victor Edward Willis has died at the age of 74.

One of Donald Trump’s favorite bands announced the unfortunate news that the co-founder of the American disco group passed away after a “short, aggressive illness.”

Willis breathed his last on Tuesday, June 30. Shortly after his death his band members took to social media to confirm his demise.

Turning over to Village People’s official Facebook page, the team honoured the late singer-songwriter with a formal update.

“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People,” wrote the band. “Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”

Born in Texas in 1951, Willis was a founding member and lead singer of Village People.

He left the band in 1983 but continued making music and subsequently returned in 2017 following years of legal battles over royalties.

The groups biggest hits include YMCA, Go West and In The Navy. In recent years, Village People has attracted attention due to Trump and his famous YMCA jig.

Willis initially demanded that the political figure stop using Village People’s music but later changed his stance, even performing at the Turning Point USA inaugural ball celebrating the politician's second inauguration last year.