The famous Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti died this morning Thursday, September 6. He died of cancer at his home in Italy. He was 71. He was born in Modena, Italy, on October 12, 1935, the first child and only son of a baker. His manager Terri Robson quoted ,

The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the 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.

At his side when he died were his wife, Nicoletta; his four daughters; his sister, Gabriela; his nephews and close relatives and friends.

His body will lie in state in Modena Cathedral from late Thursday until a funeral on Saturday at 3 p.m