ATHENS, Greece – Beloved Greek singer Marinella remains hospitalized in stable but critical condition following a collapse during a concert Wednesday night.
The 86-year-old icon suffered a stroke and is currently under intensive care at Hygeia Hospital in Athens for extensive brain bleeding.
Marinella was just three songs into her performance at the ancient Herod Atticus theater when she appeared unsteady on her feet, stumbled, and collapsed. The concert, which was also to feature renowned Greek singer Antonis Remos, was immediately canceled.
A household name in Greece for over six decades, Marinella’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have captivated generations. Born Kyriaki Papadopoulou in Thessaloniki in 1938, she began performing as a child, making her public debut at just four years old.
Her career blossomed in the mid-1950s, and she quickly rose to fame, breaking tradition by incorporating flamboyant movement and hand gestures into her performances. Marinella’s music, centered largely on themes of love and loss, has resonated deeply with audiences throughout the years. She holds a special place in Greek music history as the first singer to ever represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing in Brighton in 1974.
Fans across Greece and beyond are holding their breath, sending well wishes and hoping for the best for the legendary singer.
