You can never predict what might catch the attention of President Donald Trump. He has such varied interests and rather intense likes and dislikes. One music world celebrity's passing evidently attracted Trump's eye this week. That was the death of beloved Village People singer Victor Willis. He died on June 30 at the age of 74. Willis was just one day shy of his 75th birthday.
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The Village People were among the true standouts of the disco years. Actually, they were always reliably flamboyant and fun. Songs like "Macho Man," "In the Navy," and "YMCA" were their bubbly anthems that are loved to this day. In fact, whether you lived through the disco era or not, these wonderful tunes will definitely conjure it up for you.
Trump Wrote Admiringly About Victor Willis on Truth Social
Per The Hill, the Village People performed at President Donald Trump's inauguration in 2025. Additionally, on his platform Truth Social, Trump appreciatively noted the singer's life and career on July 1. He wrote, "Village People singer Victor Willis is dead at 74. He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies. It became a 'monster' hit, again, 30 years after its original launch. Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set - The crowds were, and are, enormous - But Victor and the group was there for us right from the beginning!"
Furthermore, the president continued, " They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song. We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
His Wife Announced the Sad News on Facebook
In a brief yet moving
post, Victor Willis's wife told the world of his death. She wrote, "It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, VICTOR WILLIS. Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss."A native of Dallas, Willis wed his wife, Karen, in 2007. Also, his first wife was actress Phylicia Rashad. She played Bill Cosby's spouse on The Cosby Show. They were married from 1978 to 1982.
