Madonna Reveals Heartbreak Over Death of Music Legend William Orbit

Madonna has revealed her heartbreak over the death of William Orbit, remembering the celebrated producer as an "otherworldly" musical partner who transformed the way she approached her art.

OK! can reveal the 67-year-old singer paid tribute on Instagram on Saturday after Orbit's death at 69 was announced on Friday, August 7.

The British producer died at home on July 23, with the cause not disclosed.

Madonna and Orbit famously collaborated on her landmark 1998 album Ray of Light, before working together again on Music and MDNA.

Alongside footage of the pair accepting a Grammy Award for Ray of Light in 1999, Madonna said: "Goodbye – William Orbit."

She added: "I had an epiphany when I met you and started working with you. I realized that music did not have to fit into categories or genres. So we created our own. You pressed a magic button inside of me, and I fell into a galaxy of unrealized dreams. Your music gave me a magic carpet to fly on, and I visited many places. Sad and Joyful. I sang in ways I'd never sung before."

Madonna recalled how their collaboration coincided with a transformative period in her life, including the arrival of her daughter Lourdes Leon, 29.

She said: "I used words without caring if they made sense or not. In many ways you were my Ray of Light – as was my daughter Lola who was born around this time."

The singer described their recording sessions as almost spiritual and credited Orbit with inspiring songs including "Drowned World/Substitute for Love" and "Swim."

She said: "The studio was often church-like and I would sit in silence, waiting for your ideas to explode out of your keyboard or your guitar and then I would run with them. I miss those days. Only you could inspire me to write a song like 'Drowned World' or 'Swim.' You were so otherworldly. So singular. The years passed and I moved on to make music with other people, but I have never forgotten you or the magical time we spent together. (sic)"

Madonna ended her tribute by using her affectionate nickname for the producer.

She said: "Goodbye Billy Bubbles. I was so lucky to have known you and fallen down the rabbit hole with you. @williamorbit."

Orbit had revealed in March he had completed an album he considered a spiritual successor to Ray of Light, although he said a reunion with Madonna was "NOT going to happen."

He said: "I have an album ready that, in my opinion, is indeed the successor to Ray Of Light. Everything about how it was made and how it sounds yells that from the first few bars."

Despite saying he had received "nil response" from Madonna after reaching out, Orbit insisted there was no bitterness.

He said: "Zero zero absolute zero hard feelings. Are you kidding, I will always love that woman. For real. She made my career."

Orbit's family said about his death: "We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness."

The producer also worked with artists including Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and bands Blur, U2 and Queen.

Madonna became pop's defining global superstar, selling millions of records while continually reinventing her music, image and provocative stage persona.