Ornella Vanoni, the beloved Italian singer whose distinctive voice captivated audiences across seven decades, died Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at her home in Milan. She was 91 years old.

The iconic performer, known affectionately as “The Lady of Italian Song,” died from cardiac arrest, according to Italian media reports. Her death marks the end of an era for Italian music, as Vanoni’s career spanned from the early 1960s through the present day, producing international hits that transcended generations and genres.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed profound sorrow following news of Vanoni’s passing. “Italy loses a unique artist who leaves us with an unrepeatable artistic heritage,” Meloni stated, praising the singer’s unmistakable voice that left an indelible mark on Italian culture for generations.

Born in 1934 in Milan, Vanoni initially pursued a career in theater, working at the city’s prestigious Piccolo Teatro under the direction of Giorgio Strehler, who became both her mentor and romantic partner. The theatrical training would shape her dramatic performing style, but music ultimately became her calling. She later performed on Broadway in 1964, appearing in “Rugantino,” demonstrating her versatility as an artist.

Vanoni’s breakthrough came in 1961 with “Senza Fine,” a collaboration born from her creative partnership and romantic relationship with renowned singer-songwriter Gino Paoli. The song catapulted her onto the international stage and established her as a force in Italian music. Her repertoire expanded to encompass jazz, pop, and various musical styles, showcasing what observers described as a highly personal and sophisticated performing approach.

Throughout her prolific career, Vanoni recorded over 100 albums. Her hits included “L’appuntamento,” which experienced a resurgence in popularity after director Steven Soderbergh featured it in his 2004 film “Ocean’s Twelve,” introducing her work to a new global audience decades after its original release.

The singer’s influence extended beyond Italian borders through collaborations with international jazz legends, including Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and Gil Evans. These partnerships demonstrated her musical range and ability to bridge cultural and stylistic boundaries, cementing her status as a truly international artist.

Vanoni’s achievements at Italy’s prestigious music festivals reflected her domestic popularity. She appeared eight times at the Sanremo Music Festival, finishing second in 1968 with “Casa Bianca.” In 1999, she became the first artist in the festival’s history to receive a career award, recognizing her decades of contribution to Italian music.

Her songwriting talents earned her the coveted Tenco Award twice, making her the only woman to win the prize on two occasions. These honors underscored her comprehensive artistic abilities beyond her celebrated vocal performances.

Even in her later years, Vanoni remained creatively active. At age 87, she released the album “Unica” in 2021, demonstrating her enduring artistic vision and connection with audiences. The album offered a mature perspective shaped by her extensive life experience.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Vanoni became a fixture of Italian cultural life through her television appearances and candid public persona. She was known for speaking openly about her past relationships and career experiences, often with humor and directness that endeared her to multiple generations of fans. Her distinctive style, marked by elegant presentation and sharp wit, made her a recognizable figure in Italian popular culture.

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli confirmed her death, joining the chorus of tributes from across Italy’s artistic community. The outpouring of grief reflected Vanoni’s status as a national treasure whose influence shaped the sound and style of Italian popular music for more than half a century.

A funeral service was held on Monday in Milan, allowing fans and fellow artists to pay their final respects to the legendary performer. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a remarkable life dedicated to artistic expression and musical innovation.

Vanoni’s legacy extends beyond statistics and awards to encompass her role in shaping Italian musical identity during a transformative period in the nation’s cultural history. Her ability to evolve with changing musical landscapes while maintaining her distinctive artistic voice set a standard for longevity and relevance in the entertainment industry. Her contributions to Italian song created a template for subsequent generations of performers, establishing her as a bridge between traditional Italian music and contemporary styles.