Beloved Italian Singer Ornella Vanoni Dies at 91

Milano, Italy – Ornella Vanoni, the iconic Italian singer, passed away at her home in Milan on November 22, 2025, at the age of 91. Vanoni suffered a cardiac arrest shortly before 11 PM. Despite the quick arrival of emergency services, she could not be revived.

Born on September 22, 1934, Vanoni began her career in the arts as an actress before transitioning to music in 1957. She gained fame for her unique voice and timeless hits, including “Senza fine,” “Io ti darò di più,” and “L’appuntamento.” Over her seven-decade career, she sold approximately 55 million records worldwide, making her one of the most celebrated artists in Italian music history.

In recent interviews, Vanoni expressed her feelings about mortality. She stated, “I do not fear death. I will know when it is time to go, when I am no longer useful to life.” This candidness reflected her deep understanding of life and artistry.

Vanoni was the daughter of a pharmaceutical industrialist and developed a passion for the arts at an early age. Her education took her through prestigious institutions across Switzerland, France, and England. She trained at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, where she made her stage debut in Luigi Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an Author.”

In 1960, she began a romantic relationship with fellow musician Gino Paoli, who wrote the hit “Senza fine” for her. Their romance was tumultuous, and that year, Vanoni also married theater producer Lucio Ardenzi, a union she later regretted.

Vanoni participated in the Sanremo Music Festival eight times, achieving notable success in the event with songs like “Casa bianca” and “La musica è finita.” She was the first female artist to win two Tenco Awards and worked with numerous international and Italian artists throughout her career.

Tributes poured in after her passing. Fellow comedian and actress Luciana Littizzetto remembered her fondly, calling her “dear treasure,” while Enrico Mentana shared, “Goodbye, queen.”

Ornella Vanoni leaves behind a legacy of musical innovation that spans genres and generations, remaining a beloved figure in the heart of Italian culture.