Madonna pays tribute to the late William Orbit as singer thanks 'genius' music producer for being an inspiration after the pair's Grammy- winning album - following his death aged 69

Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.comSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 08:37 EDT, 8 August 2026 | Updated: 08:46 EDT, 8 August 2026 Madonna has paid tribute to the late William Orbit following the news of his death aged 69 on Friday. The music producer was famed for his collaboration with the singer on her 1998 album Ray of Light, which won them a Grammy.And taking to Instagram on Saturday, Madonna thanked the 'genius' music producer for being an inspiration in her career. Sharing the clip of the pair winning their Grammy together, she penned: 'Goodbye- William Orbit. I had an epiphany when I met you and started working with you.' The lengthy tribute continued: 'I realized that music did not have to fit into categories or genres. So we created our own. You pressed a magic button inside of me and I fell into a galaxy of unrealized dreams. Your music gave me a magic carpet to fly on and I visited many places. Sad and Joyful'I sang in ways I’d never sung before. I used words without caring if they made sense or not. In many ways you were my Ray of Light -as was my daughter Lola who was born around this time.Madonna pays tribute to the late William Orbit as singer thanks 'genius' music producer for being an inspiration after the pair's Grammy winning album 'I was starting a new chapter, I was choosing another road to walk down-and you were right by my side with your crooked teeth and your genius, way of hearing music. 'The studio was often church like and I would sit in silence, waiting for your ideas to explode out of your keyboard or your guitar and then I would run with them………..'Expressing her gratitude for his inspirational influence on her career, she added: 'I miss those days. Only you could inspire me to write a song like Drowned World or Swim. You were so otherworldly. So singular.'The years passed and I moved on to make music with other people, but I have never forgotten you or the magical time we spent together.'Goodbye Billy Bubbles. I was so lucky to have known you and fallen down the rabbit hole with you.'On Friday William's family and friends shared a statement on his social media which said he died at home on 23 July and no cause of death was given. The post read: 'It is with profound sadness that the family and friends with of William Orbit announce that William died at home on 23rd July 2026.'We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness.'We kindly ask that the privacy of William's family and close friends is respected during this difficult time.'