American singer and songwriter, Jill Sobule, has died in a house fire that broke out in her home in Woodbury, Minnesota, United States.

The incident reportedly occurred this week, cutting short the life of the 66-year-old singer known for her 1995 hit song, “I Kissed a Girl”.

According to her publicist, the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed as investigations continue.

Her manager, John Porter, in a statement described Sobule as “a force of nature and human rights advocate” who used her music to speak on serious social issues.

“I lost a client and a friend today,” he said. “I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

Born in Denver, Colorado, on January 16, 1959, Sobule gained national attention in the ‘90s with songs like Supermodel, featured in the teen movie Clueless, and I Kissed a Girl, which made it to the Billboard Top 20 despite being banned on some US radio stations.

Beyond music charts, she was known for addressing issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, women’s health, and social justice through her lyrics.

In 2008, she made headlines again after pop star Katy Perry released a song with the same title, I Kissed a Girl. Though Perry’s version wasn’t a cover, it sparked renewed interest in Sobule’s earlier hit.

She also took part in an off-Broadway musical based on her life, and in 2019, she appeared in an episode of The Simpsons.

Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday night, but the show will now be held in her honour as a tribute. A proper memorial service is expected to take place later in the year.

Reacting to her death, actress Carrie Coon wrote, “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.” Musician Tracy Chapman also paid tribute, saying, “Let’s honour the incredible singer-songwriter she was by listening to her music.”

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule.