Pavarotti passes away at 71; pancreatic cancer claimed the life of the great tenor. Considered the greatest tenor of his generation, Luciano died early Thursday morning.

A statement released by his manager, Terri Robson, said Pavarotti died at his home in Modena surrounded by members of his family.

"The Maestro fought a long, harsh battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually claimed his life. In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained optimistic until finally yielding to the last stages of his infirmity," the statement said. 'Big Luciano' had a tumor removed from his pancreas in New York in July 2006. This was then followed by five cycles of chemotherapy.

The tenor was taken to Modena University Hospital August 8 after having a fever.

Pavarotti remained 18 days in hospital before returning to his home here in Modena. The pancreas operation interrupted Pavarotti's two-year worldwide farewell tour.

Pavarotti gave his last opera performance at the New York Metropolitan Opera on March 13, 2004 for which he received a 12-minute standing ovation for his role as the painter Mario Cavaradossi in Giacomo Puccini's Tosca.

In February 2006, at the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Turin, he left the crowd in awe with his trademark Nessun Dorma aria.

In a statement posted on his website during his farewell tour, Pavarotti said "I hope to be remembered as an opera singer. In other words, as a representative of an art form that has found its maximum expression in my country. And I also hope that my love of opera will always remain at the center of my life".