Celebrated Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, 71, has died following his operation for pancreatic cancer in July last year and hospitalisation last month, ANSA news agency reported Thursday.

Late Wednesday Italian media had said his condition had taken a sharp turn for the worse with news agency AGI saying he was in "very grave condition."

ANSA said he had died overnight and a hearse was in front of his villa in the northern town of Modena.

Pavarotti was hospitalised on August 8 in Modena with a fever. He was discharged on August 25 after diagnostic tests were completed to convalesce at home.

Hailed as one of the greatest tenors of his generation, Pavarotti underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer more than a year ago and has since had at least five rounds of chemotherapy.

Following his surgery Pavarotti cancelled subsequent concerts, sparking fears that he might never perform in public again. He was forced to abandon a 40-concert farewell tour that began in May 2004.
sections: Culture, Celebrities