Opera star Luciano Pavarotti died on Thursday morning, in his home town of Modena, the Italian news agency Ansa informs. His health has been constantly deteriorating after the surgical intervention he suffered in July, in the attempt to treat a pancreas cancer.

During Wednesday night, Pavarotti lost consciousness and never gained it back.

The 71-year old opera tenor had his last public appearance in 2006, before a surgical intervention. At the beginning of the 2007 summer, his wife said he said he was feeling fine and may even prepare a new record.

Pavarotti's debut took place in 1961, as Rodolfo in "La Boema" by Puccini. He was the only opera singer to sell over 100 million records.

The last concert was at the New York Metropolitan Opera, on March 13, 2004, when the crowd applauded for more than 12 minutes.

Remember: Pavarotti & Friends - Nessun Dorma