Cyndi Lauper Mourns a Loss Close to Her Heart: ‘I Thought There Would be More Time'

"Time After Time" singer Cyndi Lauper is mourning the loss of A&R executive and producer Lennie Petze.

Petze signed Lauper to Portrait Records and was the producer of her 1983 debut album, She's So Unusual. Petze also worked alongside Michael Jackson, Boston, Billy Joel and other notable artists.

With over 50 years of experience in the music industry, Petze had over 100 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards for the recording artists he signed. Petze was "solely responsible for the discovery of Cyndi Lauper and Boston," according to his website.

Lauper made a post on social media to share a tribute to the producer.

"Lennie Petze was a gift to me, as was his family," Lauper posted. "I am grateful for the time we all had together. I thought there would be more time. There never is. We did the incredible together. He always helped me through. Keeping Cecile and family in my heart."

Fans took to Lauper's Facebook comment section to share their condolences and memories of Petze.

"I'm so sorry, Cyndi Lauper, people will never know what he did for you," one fan said. "Grief is heartbreaking but the legacy lives on."

"So very sorry for your loss," one user commented. "May his memory always be a blessing to all who knew and loved him."

"What a beautiful suitcase of memories you & Lennie have," another said.

"We all know he was very important to you," one user said on Instagram. "We read the name on the record cover but we never met the man. In God's hands now."

Lauper recently wrapped up her five-show residency in Las Vegas, an extension of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. Her next show will take her to Atlantis Bahamas on June 20, an ocean-side resort located on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. Find out more here.

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 12:35 AM.