'Sinatra of the East' Karel Gott dies at 80

Czech pop singer Karel Gott, who was a particular favourite in neighbouring Germany where media once dubbed him the "Sinatra of the East", has died at 80, his family said Wednesday.

"With the deepest sadness in my heart I announce that shortly before midnight on Tuesday my beloved husband Karel Gott passed away after a long and serious illness," his wife Ivana Gottova wrote on his website.

"He passed away at home, in quiet sleep, surrounded by his family." Gott had revealed last month he was undergoing treatment for acute leukemia, years after recovering from cancer.

Czech President Milos Zeman led the tributes, as the government announced plans for a state funeral, the first since the death of former president Vaclav Havel in 2011.

"Extremely sad news for our whole country," said Zeman. "Karel Gott was a real artist who gave himself to others.

"Karel Gott gave his life to generations, he gave himself to us all," he added in a message tweeted by his spokesman.

"I grew up listening to Karel Gott, just like everyone else," tweeted Prime Minister Andrej Babis, adding: "Maestro, I appreciated you more than I can tell."