Irene Cara, ‘Flashdance’ singer and lyricist, dies at age 63

© Provided by News 360 Singer and lyricist Irene Cara - METRO-GOLDWYN-MEYER (MGM) / ENTERTAINMENT PICTURE

American recording artist Irene Cara, winner of an Oscar and two Grammy Awards for the song 'What a Feeling' from the movie 'Flashdance', has died at the age of 63, her publicist, Judith Moose, said on her Twitter account.

Cara, also known for playing Coco Hernandez in the musical film 'Fame' died at her Florida home, of unspecified causes.

"This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can't believe I had to write this, let alone post the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I will be reading each and every one of them and I know she will be smiling down from Heaven. She adored her fans," Moose wrote.

The family has asked for privacy while funeral services are being held for the artist, "whose legacy will live on forever through her music and films."

Cara, who was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1959, worked in television and theater before landing the lead role in the 1976 musical drama 'Sparkle'.

She ended up catapulted to international fame for her performance in 'Fame', for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

Her song 'Flashdance' also earned her an Oscar for Best Original Song and two Grammy Awards for Best Original Score Album Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.