Opera singer Pavarotti dies at 71

Luciano Pavarotti, the Italian tenor whose ringing, pristine vocals and electric performances in concert houses and stadiums made him a pop icon and the most famous opera singer of the post-war era, died early this morning at his home in Modena, Italy. He was 71.

His death was announced by his manager Terri Robson. Pavarotti underwent surgery in New York for pancreatic cancer in 2006, and according to a mail sent by Robson to the Associated Press, "the maestro fought a long, tough battle against pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life.

"In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness."