(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Donna Summer has passed away at the age of 63.

The music legend known to most as the "Queen of Disco" perished in Florida May 17.

TMZ reports that Donna fought a brutal battle with a terminal disease and lung cancer eventually lead to the star's demise.

The website also states that sources believe Donna's illness was contracted in New York City on September 11, 2001. Insiders claim that she was exposed to toxic airborne particles after the World Trade Centre buildings fell as a result of terrorist attacks.

The Grammy-winning singer produced massive chart topping hits in her heyday in the 1970s and 1980s that include dance floor anthems Hot Stuff, Bad Girls, Last Dance and She Works Hard for the Money.

Donna has widowed husband Bruce Sudano, a fellow musician she married in 1980 with whom she shares daughters Brooklyn and Amanda. She is also survived by her eldest daughter Mimi with first husband actor Helmuth Sommer. (C) Cover Media