Donna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012), known by her stage name Donna Summer, was an American singer-songwriter. She was an African American Christian who was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. She became famous during the disco era in the 1970s and became a pop icon. She died of lung cancer in Englewood, Florida. In 1982 she released a single with Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder called "State of Independence". She became known for songs like "Hot Stuff", "Last Dance", and "She Works Hard for the Money".
In 1974, Summer married Helmuth Sommer (which led to her stage name Summer) but divorced him two years later. She married Bruce Sudano in 1990 and had two children with him.