Luciano Pavarotti Died At The Age Of 71

The Italian opera legend who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year died at his home in Modena at 5am local time today (06.09.07).

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Born in Modena to a baker and his factory-worker wife, Pavarotti wanted to become a professional soccer player in his youth.

In 1961 he made his debut as Rodolfo in a production of 'La Boheme' in the southern Italian city of Reggio Emilia and revealed his breathtaking tenor voice.

Pavarotti had three daughters with his first wife Adua - Lorenza, Cristina and Giuliana - and a three-year-old daughter, Alice, with Nicoletta.

At his side were his second wife Nicoletta, his four daughters, his sister Gabriela, his nephews and other close relatives and friends, according to his manager Terri Robson.

When asked about her husband's cancer battle earlier this year, Nicoletta said: "He's fighting like a lion and he has never lost his heart."