Allee Willis, songwriter of 'Friends' theme, dies at 72 due to cardiac arrest
Songwriter Allee Willis passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday in Los Angeles due to cardiac arrest.
Animator and producer Prudence Fenton, and also Willis' "partner and soulmate" is said to be "in total shock" over the sudden death of her best friend, which occurred shortly after 6 pm, reported Variety.
Willis was best known for 'Friend's theme song 'I'll Be There For You', the Broadway song score for 'The Color Purple' (for which she won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album) and her work with Earth, Wind & Fire, specifically 'September', 'Boogie Wonderland' and 'In the Stone'.
In 1995, she was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in the Main Title Theme Music. For her contribution to the 'Beverly Hills Cop', she won the Best Soundtrack Album Background Score from a Motion Picture or Television in 1986.
In 2018, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She also composed hit singles for other artists, including 'Neutron Dance' by the Pointer Sisters and 'What Have I Done To Deserve This?' by Pet Shop Boys featuring Dusty Springfield.
Willis is survived by her brother Kent Willis, sister Marlin Frost and niece Mandy Becker.
Fans of the legendary songwriter are deeply saddened by the news. "So sorry to hear that @AlleeWillis has died. I had the honor of visiting her house and getting to look through part of her huge kitsch collection," recalled an old, dear fan. "Every inch of her house was covered with things she loved. She was a true, amazing, inspirational original. So sad."
"She was a force of nature, a profoundly great artist. Joy incarnate. A mensch. She was the greatest tummler I’ve known or known of. Oh my heart," mourned a fan. "Can’t think of anyone more creatively inspiring and nurturing. Sitting near the Pointer Sisters high school, which I mention because Allee would want that," they continued.
