Legendary Greek singer Marinella dies at 87

Iconic Greek singer Marinella, born Kyriaki Papadopoulou on May 19, 1938, passed away at her home on March 28, 2026, at the age of 87. Her family confirmed the death occurred at 18:00. The artist had been recovering from a severe hemorrhagic stroke suffered on September 25, 2024, while performing on stage at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Known for her distinctive vocal range and expressive stage presence, she began her career in the mid-1950s after joining the Mary Loran theatrical troupe in Thessaloniki. Over a career spanning seven decades, she became a defining figure in Greek music, marked by collaborations with Stelios Kazantzidis and numerous film appearances. While some reports cite her age at 86, 87, or 88, official accounts identify her birth in 1938. She was widely regarded as a cultural icon, admired by contemporaries ranging from international stars to major Greek theater figures.