Luciano Pavarotti, the Italian tenor whose clarion lyric voice and performances from concert houses to outdoor stadiums made him a pop icon and the most famous opera singer since Enrico Caruso, has died. He was 71.

Pavarotti, who underwent surgery in New York for pancreatic cancer in 2006, died today at his home in Modena, Italy, according to his agent, Terri Robson. He was hospitalized in Modena in August for a high fever.

"In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness," Robson said in a statement.

The bearded Pavarotti was the king of tenors from the late 1960s through the 1990s. He popularized opera more than any other singer through recordings that made him the best-selling classical artist ever and concerts in parks and stadiums around the world that were televised to millions.

With his huge frame, at times 300 pounds or more, and trademark white handkerchief that he used to wipe his brow, the charismatic Pavarotti became what his former manager Herbert Breslin called "a rock star for people over 30."