The Il Divo member Carlos Marin has died at age 53. The group made the announcement on social media.
The singer’s bandmates, David Miller, Sébastien Izambard and Urs Bühler – paid tribute to him on Sunday (Dec 19).
“It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away.” the group wrote. “He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There will never be another voice or spirit like Carlos.”
The announcement continued, “For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend. We hope and pray that his beautiful soul will rest in peace. With Love — David, Sebastien and Urs.”
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Back on December 18, the band announced that they had postponed several of their U.K. concerts “due to illness.” Marin had been on stage earlier this month performing.
On Thursday (Dec. 16), they informed fans that Carlos had been hospitalized, with Spanish media reporting that the singer was intubated after being admitted to an intensive care unit in Manchester. Some outlets report that Marin contracted COVID-19, but a cause of death has not been confirmed.
Simon Cowell, created Il Divo in 2003, reacted on Twitter
Simon Cowell created the pop opera group in 2003 under his SyCo record label, although they later parted ways with the music mogul. Still, the X Factor and Got Talent creator posted a rare tweet offering his condolences.
“I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now,” Simon wrote. “I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away. He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you.”
I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now. I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away. He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 20, 2021
And Bruno Tonioli, a judge Dancing with the Stars and U.K’s Strictly Come Dancing also wrote a tribute on social media: “Devastated [Marín] passed away. We had the best time putting together the first Il Divo performance 17 years ago great voice great man a true passionate Spirit with wicked sense of humor we will miss you so sad.”
Devastated @ildivoofficial @carlosmarin_ passed away
We had the best time putting together the first @ildivoofficial performance 17 yeas ago great voice great man a true passionate Spirit with wicked sense of humor we will miss you so sad??B— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) December 19, 2021
Il Divo celebrated the group’s 17 anniversary on December 4
The band celebrated 17 years together on Dec. 4 “Today we are celebrating 17 years as Il Divo,” the band wrote alongside a clip of the quartet singing “My Way.”
“We cannot believe how far we have come and we are so thankful to every single one of our fans who have listened to our music, bought tickets to a concert, and supported us along the way. We love you!”
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