In a climate of deep sorrow and emotion, Greece said goodbye today to the «Great Lady» of Greek song, Marinella. The funeral service was held at the Metropolis of Athens, in the presence of thousands of ordinary citizens, representatives of the political world and numerous artists who rushed to honour her.
The body of the leading singer was placed on a popular pilgrimage in the chapel of St.Eleftherios from 08:00 in the morning until 14:00. People of all ages waited patiently to light a candle, leave flowers and farewell notes, speaking of her unique voice, her dignity and her immense contribution to culture.
The burial took place in a close family circle, according to the wishes of her relatives. The body was accompanied by her daughter, Georgina, her grandchildren, Melina and Dimitris, and close friends. In lieu of wreaths, the family had requested that donations be made to the Association of Parents of Children with Neoplasm Disease, «Floga».
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who expressed his condolences to the family and left a flower at the coffin. Also present were the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, the Mayor of Athens Harris Doukas and the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Olga Gerovassili.
From the artistic world, dozens of her colleagues and friends were there to pay their last respects, among them Giorgos Dalaras, Haris Alexiou, Lakis Lazopoulos, Tania Tsanaklidou, Manolis Mitsias, Peggy Zina and Natassa Theodoridou. Tania Tsanaklidou made a special reference, stressing that Marinella left behind «culture» and improved the conditions for all artists, while Vasso Kazantzidi said goodbye to her, calling her her «sister».
Heartbreaking eulogies
During the ceremony, the farewell speeches of Haritos Alexiou and Giorgos Dallaras caused tremors of emotion.
- Η Harris Alexiou, with a trembling voice, recalled Marinella's last, fateful appearance at the Herodeion (on 25 September 2024), stating that «she left the last drop of her voice on the altar of the Herodeion». He called her a «lady» and «captain», praising not only her talent but also her humour, her generosity and the way she stood by the younger artists.
- Shocking was also the George Dalaras, who called her his «second mother». He stressed that Marinella opened doors, broke down castles and was brave and subversive, helping him decisively to stand on his feet in his first steps. «You left, you flew on the stage of the Herodion (...) like an ancient tragedian,» he said in his moving farewell.
The iconic performer passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, after a long battle with her health, which began after she suffered a massive stroke on stage. Her voice, however, and her immense legacy in Greek song will remain immortal.
