Culture Club legend Boy George has shared the tragic news that one of his best friends has died. Taking to Instagram, the 64-year-old chart-topping star posted an image of performer Eileen Dover, real name, Michael Fontana. Alongside it he penned: "Shocked, gutted and sad to hear that one of my sweetest friends has gone. We text messaged each other recently. I had no clue I would never see him again.
"He loved his family so much and would tell me great stories about his mum and aunts. 'Don't call me when my stories are on.' Michael was best known as Eileen Dover. We mostly hung out in Boston at DJ gigs, then in New York. I know he struggled. He was a beautiful, fun spirit who lit up the room with noise, colour and humour. I will miss him. I send all my love to his family and close friends."
The flamboyant star, who created his drag persona Eileen Dover in the 1990s, was found dead in their New York apartment on Friday, March 6, reportedly from complications due to diabetes.
Friend Michael Musto revealed the star had been feeling unwell. In a post on Facebook the day after they died, he wrote: "The night we club hopped started with Eileen showing up late, having felt queasy from a medication she had taken. (But once she showed, she felt much better and we had a blast.)
"She was re-transitioning, with the go-ahead from a doctor, who had wanted her to pause the transitioning process for health reasons. And now she had, with permission, revved it up again...We're in shock and will all definitely miss her presence and sweetness."
Tributes flooded in for the LGBTQ icon as news of their death became public knowledge. Writing on Facebook, one person commented: "So sad to hear the news of a wonderful person and fellow queen. Rest in peace, Diva." Another added: "Omg… how terrible!!! Another great loss to our community. Gurl… you’ll be missed tremendously! Love you."
A third chimed in: "This is shocking devastating and heartbreaking news. One of the sweetest (funniest) and most loving human beings."
A fourth shared: "Awful News. She’s been a part of the fabric of New York for decades. I’m so sorry. May her soul rest peacefully."
A fifth recalled: "I remember her so clearly as a teenager in the early 90s, already pushing the envelope, outside our queer youth group at a church in Boston, posing in a women’s swimsuit and heckling a busload of gawking tourists who weren’t expecting a street-side floor show on a Sunday afternoon. To be fair, neither was I."
Meanwhile a sixth lamented: "Oh NOOO!!! i hung out w /Eileen back in her younger years in the Boston 90's House Music scene (the Glory Days!!) I am shocked and heartbroken to hear of this. I will cherish all the great times as they were some of the best in my life. My condolences to the family and close to Eileen! R.I.P Beautiful Doll, you were too fierce to ever forget. Until we meet again on the dance floor up there ,under the most glorious disco ball."
