- Music
- 25 Dec 17
On the first anniversary of the iconic singer's tragic death, George Michael's family have issued a poignant message urging his fans to honour his memory by taking "a moment and a deep breath and say those ‘I love yous’ out loud" to your own loved ones this Christmas.
George Michael, nicknamed Yog by his loved ones, died last Christmas Day at the age of only 53-years-old.
"This Christmas will be hard without him, but we know that we are not alone in our mourning the anniversary of his loss," his two sisters, Melanie and Yioda and his dad Jack said in a statement
“Christmas is not always easy, life isn’t perfect and families are complicated. So if you can, in his memory this year, take a moment and a deep breath and say those ‘I love yous’ out loud."
They added: This year has been a series of tough challenges for those of us close and loyal to Yog, not least steeling ourselves this month to hear Last Christmas and December Song streaming out of shops, cars and radios, as it has done for decades, knowing he’s no longer here with us, missing him.
"We are at ‘that age’ and realise many of you will have had difficult losses too.
“Yog, who loved Christmas and always hoped it would snow, would want each of you that admired and loved him (yes – he knows you did!!) to take a moment, raise a glass, enjoy his music and think of him fondly, making sure to enjoy your time with, and appreciate your family and friends.
"Yog shared his music with all of us and many of you connected deeply with his words. Have a good Christmas everyone. And as our darling Yog would say... take care.”