He later posted on Twitter, writing: “It’s a Xmas I will never forget - finding your partner dead peacefully in bed first thing in the morning.. I will never stop missing you xx.”
Speaking at the time, George’s former manager Michael Lippman added that he believed the singer had died from heart failure, stating that there was “no foul play whatsoever”.
“I only wish George was here to sing it with me,” he said, as he appeared to be in tears.
Meanwhile, George’s former longtime partner has spoken out to express his grief at the passing of the man with whom he shared his life for 13 years.
Texan art dealer Kenny Goss said he was “heartbroken” about the death of his “dear friend and long-time love”, adding: “He was a major part of my life and I loved him very, very much.”
George and Kenny were together until 2009, although the star didn’t reveal they had split until 2011. He is believed to have got together with Fadi Fawaz the following year.