Freddie Mercury has remained popular after his death. He is seen as one of the most legendary rock stars, and he has served as in inspiration to many other artists who came after him.
Freddie started experiencing HIV/AIDS symptoms in 1982, but it would be some years before he was officially diagnosed. About five years later Freddie told his partner Jim Hutton that he had been diagnosed with AIDS, but he tried to keep it out of the spotlight. Over the next following years the British tabloids frequently reported on Freddie's health, running stories about his gaunt appearance and his absences from touring.
Freddie continued to work and record with Queen up until June of 1991. He didn't want to stop doing what he loved, and he didn't want people to worry about him. Though after a while, Freddie had to be confined to his home as his health declined so much. He finally released a statement to the public the day before his death explaining:
Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue.
Freddie died at age 45 at his home in Kensington. Mary Austin was with him at the end, and she notified the family of his death.According to Freddie's wishes, Mary had him cremated and took his ashes to an undisclosed location.
After his death, a Queen album called Made in Heaven was released in 1995. It included some of Mercury's last recordings before he succumbed to his illness. Many tributes have been made to Freddie, including a statue of his likeness in Lake Geneva Switzerland where he recorded his last songs, and a statue of him above London's Dominion Theatre.
