Italy mourns the loss of one of its most iconic and enduring voices. Ornella Vanoni — legendary singer, actress, and performer — passed away at the age of 91 in her Milan home, following a sudden illness.

With a career spanning nearly seven decades, Vanoni was a pillar of Italian culture, known for her unmistakable voice, refined elegance, and profound interpretative depth. She captivated audiences with unforgettable performances of classics such as Senza fine, L’appuntamento, and Io ti darò di più, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music, theater, and entertainment.

Since her debut in 1956, Vanoni released over one hundred projects — including albums, EPs, and compilations — and sold more than 65 million records. Her artistic versatility allowed her to gracefully transition between genres: from jazz to bossa nova, from intimate songwriting to the evocative Canzoni della Mala, where her journey first began. Through it all, she never lost her artistic identity, sophistication, or signature irony.

A beloved figure on the Italian music scene, Vanoni appeared eight times at the Sanremo Music Festival. She holds the distinction of being not only the first artist ever — but also the only woman — to win two Tenco Awards as a singer-songwriter, a truly unique and prestigious achievement.

In her later years, Vanoni spoke candidly about life, time, and mortality. “I am not afraid of death,” she once said. “I will understand when it is time to go — when I am useless to life and life is useless to me.” She expressed her final wishes with poetic simplicity: to be cremated and her ashes scattered at sea, perhaps in Venice — wearing a Dior dress.

Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli paid tribute, stating:

“With the passing of Ornella Vanoni, Italy loses one of its most original and sophisticated artists. With her unique voice and unparalleled interpretative talent, she wrote significant pages in the history of Italian song, theatre, and entertainment. On behalf of myself and the Ministry of Culture, I extend heartfelt condolences to her family.”

Her voice, elegance, and spirit will remain an everlasting part of Italy’s cultural memory.