Iconic Spanish singer Carlos Marin, known for his charming smile and powerful baritone voice, died on Sunday of COVID-19 complications. He was 53. Marin, who was a mainstay of the multinational classical crossover vocal group Il Divo, had been admitted to the intensive care unit of the Manchester Royal Hospital on December 8 during his tour of the U.K. The news of the acclaimed singer's demise was announced on the official Twitter account of Il Divo on Sunday. "It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marín, has passed away. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. For 17 years, the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend."

Marin, a Germany-born Spaniard, joined Il Divo with Swiss tenor Urs Bühler, American tenor David Miller, French pop singer Sébastien Izambard, and was formed by Simon Cowell in 2003 for his Sony Music Synco Label. The Tenors-style quartet group dressed in Giorgio Armani suits made a name for themselves by their songs that were a mix between opera and pop. Cowell issued an emotional statement on Marin's passing on Monday stating that he is "finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now." He added, "I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away. He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you."

Il Divo released songs in English ('Mama'), Spanish ('La vida sin amor'), French ('Le Temps des Cathedrales'), Italian ('Senza Parole'), Latin ('Panis Angelicus'), and Japanese ('Furusato') too in a total of 10 studio albums between 2004’s 'Il Divo, 2012’s compilation 'Greatest Hits' and this year’s 'Once in My Life: A Celebration of Motown'. Prior to joining Il Divo, Marin had garnered stardom at the age of eight when he made his first record, 'El pequeño Caruso', which he sang with Montserrat Caballé, while also performing in stage productions among which included Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, and Grease. Marin had also released a solo album in 2020 titled Portrait. He was married to French singer Geraldine Larrosa, who is known by her stage name Innocence.