“I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news,” Cara’s publicist Judith Moose wrote on the songwriter’s Twitter account. “The Academy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter, and producer passed away in her Florida home.”

Cara’s cause of death is currently unknown, but will be released when more information becomes available, Moose confirmed.

In 1983, Cara won an Academy Award for “Flashdance…What A Feeling,” which was her biggest hit, according to the songwriter’s website. This achievement marked the first time since 1939 an African American female won the coveted Best Original Song award. She also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance for the same song.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams took to Twitter to express his condolences saying, “Irene Cara sang New York City’s song. Born in the Bronx, she reached for the stars and delivered a soundtrack for the ages. She will be truly missed. Rest in peace.”

Reverend and Harvard University professor Cornell Williams Brooks also expressed his sadness on Twitter saying, “63 years STILL seems TOO SHORT a LIFE. Rest in Power.” He also pointed to her “voice soaring over the soundtrack of Flashdance, kinetic personality dancing in Fame, & soulful eyes illuminating her already incandescent performance in Sparkle.”

Deborah Cox, Canadian-singer and actress, also honored Cara saying the singer was, “one of my biggest inspirations growing up.” Meanwhile, many fans and fellow New Yorkers have also tweeted that Cara’s songs were an 80s theme song of New York City.

Fox Business journalist Charles Payne said Cara’s song “Fame” was the ultimate theme song for him during his 1980 high school graduation year. “It captured determination even for those with the greatest odds stacked against them. Thank you & Rest in Peace.”

Most recently, Cara had a podcast channel where she honored fellow musicians. In her last post on September 28, she paid tribute to artist Antonio Lopez, who did the artwork for the cover of her Carasmatic album, according to her website.

Cara, a New York native, broke into the music industry at 5 years old when she began singing and dancing on Spanish television performing with her father’s mambo band.

Cara’s family is asking for privacy during this time as funeral services are pending, her publicist said. A memorial for her fans will also be planned at a future date.

Newsweek reached out to Cara’s publicist for further information.