LOS ANGELES — Victor Willis, the lead singer and co-founder of the disco group Village People, has died at age 74, according to statements from his wife and the band posted on social media Wednesday.
Willis died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, "as a result of a short, but aggressive illness," his wife, Karen Huff-Willis, said in a statement on his official Facebook page. The band confirmed his death in a separate post, saying it was "profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People." Both statements requested privacy and did not disclose further details about his illness.
Willis, born in Dallas, Texas, in 1951, co-founded the Village People in 1977 with producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, portraying the group's police officer and naval officer characters. The band became known internationally for its costumed performances and hit songs including "Y.M.C.A.," "In the Navy" and "Macho Man," which remain widely played in nightclubs nearly five decades after their release.
Willis left the group in 1980 and spent years pursuing legal disputes over songwriting royalties. A 2012 court ruling allowed him to reclaim partial copyright ownership of more than two dozen Village People songs, including "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man." He gained additional rights to several tracks in 2015 and rejoined the band permanently in 2017.
"Y.M.C.A." became a recurring feature at rallies for President Donald Trump, who referenced Willis in a social media tribute following news of his death, crediting him with the song's renewed popularity in recent years. Willis had previously said in a 2020 interview with the BBC that neither he nor the band endorsed Trump, noting that U.S. copyright law permitted the president to use the song regardless.
The Village People continued to perform and record in recent years, including an appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw event in Washington and a European tour in May 2026.
No funeral or memorial arrangements had been publicly announced as of Wednesday. The Village People and Willis' family have not indicated when further details will be released.
