The multi-Grammy award-winning singer died in Florida after a battle with cancer.
A statement issued on behalf of her family paid tribute to the singer as "a woman of many gifts".
It read: "Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith.
"While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."
The grandmother of four had numerous hits in both the 1970s and 1980s, including "Last Dance", "She Works Hard for the Money" and "Bad Girls”.