Just found out on an SMS from a friend of mine. Anthony Tommasini has the news in his New York Times blog
After Ms. Sutherland’s 1960 Italian debut in Venice, the country’s notoriously picky critics dubbed this Australian-born soprano "La Stupenda" ("The Stupendous One"). For 40 years the name endured with opera-lovers around the world. Even those with reservations about aspects of Mr. Sutherland’s artistry readily agreed that she was a stupendous soprano.
No cause of death was given.
I was fortunate enough to see Dame Joan on stage on several occasions. My greatest experience was the title role in Rossini's Semiramide in Chicago in '71 opposite Marilyn Horne.
And there was a Lucia opposite Pavarotti, again in Chicago, this time in '75.
There was a Merry Widow in San Francisco in the early 80's that left me indifferent.
I have to say that I didn't completely appreciate her in my early years. Over the years from recordings (both studio and live performances) I have come to understand how truly special she was.
She pops up fairly frequently on Met Opera Radio, Lucia's and Sonnambula's. Would love to hear the famous Norma from around '68 where Marilyn Horne made her Met debut and Rudolf Bing tore up her contract afterwards (because she was so good).
Her husband, Richard Bonynge, is another one I've appreciated more over the years. Not perhaps the most accomplished conductor, but a man of consummate musical taste.
Please share your memories of her.
Sublima donna!
[UPDATED. 2 pm EDT]
Full obituaries now available at The New York Times and The UK Guardian (h/t ExStr8).