Lula declares three days of official mourning for the death of Rita Lee

This Tuesday (9) President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) declared three days of official mourning for the death of singer Rita Lee. The singer-songwriter died last Monday night (8) at her home, aged 75.

Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, the singer had been undergoing treatments against the disease. In February of this year, the singer was admitted to the hospital, but family members reassured fans and said it was a planned treatment.

On his social media, the president says: “Rita Lee Jones is one of the biggest and most brilliant names in Brazilian music. Singer, songwriter, actress and multi-instrumentalist. An artist ahead of her time. She thought the title Queen of Rock was inappropriate, but the nickname does justice to her trajectory.” Wrote Lula on his Twitter.

During the days of official mourning, the flags of Brazil in public buildings are flown at half mast.

_{Rita Lee. (Playback/Instagram)}

The wake that will take place this Wednesday (10) from 10 am to 5 pm, will be open to the public and will be held at the Planetarium in Ibirapuera Park, in the South Zone of São Paulo, the city where the singer was born.

The decree was signed by Lula and should be published by the end of the day, in an edition of the Official Gazette (DOU). This is the first official mourning of the president’s third term.

The acting mayor of São Paulo, Milton Leite (União Brasil), also declared three days of official mourning for the artist’s death. “The city of São Paulo and the country today lost a great singer and artist from São Paulo. Rita Lee was passionate about the city and freedom. She will leave a great silence in the artistic and cultural scene of our country. Our condolences to the family.” Milton said in a note.

Rita Lee Jones de Caravalho was a reference for female independence and creativity during her nearly 60-year career. The nickname “Queen of Brazilian Rock” it came naturally but for a singer she found the title tacky, she preferred it to be called “patron saint of liberty”.

Featured photo: Rita Lee. Playback/AC24hours