George Michael secretly close with love of his life Kenny Goss just WEEKS before his death
GEORGE Michael had secretly become close again with the love of his life Kenny Goss, just weeks before his death.
As The Sun exclusively revealed in November, George had reached out to Kenny following their difficult split.
Music icon George sadly died on Christmas Day aged 53.
His publicist said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.
“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time.
“There will be no further comment at this stage.”
The pop superstar split from Texan art dealer Kenny in 2009 after 13 years and his life quickly spiralled out of control, culminating in a lengthy stint in the world’s most expensive rehab clinic in Switzerland last year.
But friends told The Sun just weeks ago how the pair had rekindled their friendship, sparking hopes of a romantic reunion.
A close friend revealed: “George and Kenny are back spending time together again and it’s an exciting time for those of us who have been so worried over the last few years.
“There have been some really dark periods for George, especially during the time apart from Kenny.
“When he was with him, there always seemed to be something keeping him on the straight and narrow.
“It was never straightforward but Kenny is the love of his life and is really good for him, so this is very good news.”
Pals believe George’s long-awaited music comeback would have been more likely if his relationship with Kenny had come to fruition.
The friend explained: “There has been a lot of false starts with George’s career over the last few years.
“He keeps on getting close to doing something again, but simply hasn’t been ready. There’s been a lot going on for him.
“But a full-fledged comeback feels much more likely with Kenny back on the scene to keep George happy and balanced.”
Former Wham star George, 53, had been dating Australian-born celebrity hair stylist Fadi Fawaz, who he met soon after his split from Kenny, 58.
They were pictured together in Zurich last September.
George and Kenny got together in 1996 and broke up in 2009, something the singer – who has sold more than 100 million records – did not confirm for two years.
On the opening night of his Symphonica tour in 2011, he admitted: “In truth Kenny and I haven’t been together for two and a half years.
“I love him very much. This man has brought me a lot of joy and pain.
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“My love life has been a lot more turbulent than I’ve ever let on, and I’m so sad about my relationship with Kenny. I’m sorry for any pain.”
George also revealed that Kenny has struggled with addiction since the death of his parents.
He said: “My battles with substances are well documented. My partner has been through his own battle.”
George wrote the emotional lyrics to his song Where I Hope You Are were about Kenny.
He sung: “For so long there’s been no-one else I care about. That my heart could really be so wrong again, well it wears me out.
“I had a picture in my soul, some place warm we could hang out when we’re old. Now it’s just – where I hope you are.”
The Faith singer had previously admitted that if it wasn’t for the support of Kenny that suicide might have been a “very strong possibility”.
Despite their split, Kenny was by his side when George was hospitalised in Vienna for substance abuse in 2011.
George has maintained a low public profile in recent years, only communicating with fans through Twitter where he has insisted he is “perfectly fine”.
Tributes have been paid to the star, whose hits included Club Tropicana, Freedom, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, and Careless Whisper - which launched his solo career.
Tony Blackburn tweeted: "Unbelievable, George Michael has died at the age of 53. RIP.This dreadful year goes on and on.So sad, a real talent."
Duran Duran posted: "2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichaels family."
Ricky Gervais added: ";Unbelievable. RIP George Michael."
Jeremy Vine added: "WHAT THE HELL."
David Walliams simply tweeted: "George Michael - 'You Have Been Loved'."