Luciano Pavarotti was a beloved and celebrated tenor.  He was one of the few opera singers that reached such high fame and notoriety.

Pavarotti battled pancreatic cancer, which he was diagnosed with last year.  He died in his home in Italy.  Reports say that he was optimistic until the end.

"Nessun Dorma" was Pavarotti's last performance, which he sung at at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in 2006.  He had not had a full concert since 2005.

His Manager, Terri Robson, said: "He remained optimistic and confident that he would overcome the disease and had been determined to return to the stage to complete his Worldwide Farewell Tour."   Unfortunately, he was never able to do that, nor really say "farewell" to his fans.

He is survived by his wife, Nicoletta, their four year old daughter, Alice, and three daughters from Pavarotti's first marriage.  (Yes, that really does say that he has a four year old....)

I, personally, remember him most from his "Three Tenors" performances with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras.  I think that was the point that the world really got to know who he was and fell in love with that style of singing.

His bright character and larger than life personality will be missed as much as his one of a kind voice.