American songwriter Allee Willis, best known for writing the Friends theme song “I’ll Be There For You”, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 72, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
She died due to cardiac arrest in her home in Los Angeles, as confirmed by her publicist Ellyn Solis.
Willis had collaborated with the band Earth, Wind & Fire, for which she co-wrote several hit songs like “In the Stone”, “Boogie Wonderland” and “September.” She was nominated for an Emmy Award for “I’ll Be There For You” by the band, The Rembrandts. The song was used as a theme song for the popular NBC sitcom Friends and emerged as one of the most successful television theme songs.
Willis had won two Grammy Awards for Beverly Hills Cop and The Color Purple, the latter of which was also nominated for a Tony Award.
Her other hits include “Neutron Dance” by The Point Sisters and the Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield’s “What Have I Done to Deserve This.” She had sold more than 60 million records.
In recent years, Willis had co-written music with rapper Big Sean. Last year, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Willis is survived by her partner Prudence Fenton.