Opera legend Luciano Pavarotti has died at the age of 71 at his home in the Italian city of Modena after 40 years performing on stage.

The singer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, and did not make any public appearances after he had cancer surgery in July 2006.

Manager Terri said in a statement: “The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life.

“In fitting with the approach that characterised his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness.”

Considered by many as the greatest tenor of his generation, Pavarotti is credited with bringing opera to a mass audience.

He is fondly remembered for joining forces with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras for the Three Tenor shows, which they took around the world performing for an estimated 1.5 billion people.