In news that saddened the artistic and cultural community in Lebanon and the Arab world, the iconic Lebanese singer Fairouz Heli Rahbani , who passed away at the age of 67. The funeral service was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in the Mansourieh area, where he was laid to rest in the family cemetery in a quiet farewell reflecting the family's long-standing tradition of maintaining a high level of privacy.
The story of “Hali”... the hidden saint in Fayrouz’s house
Helly, whose full name is Elias, suffered from a delicate health condition since childhood due to meningitis he contracted as an infant, resulting in permanent mental and physical disabilities. For decades, his mother, known as "Moon Neighbor," cared for him herself, refusing to place him in any private care institution, considering him the blessing of the home and her primary focus, far removed from the limelight and the hustle and bustle of the stage.
Fairouz's relationship with her late son was a model of devoted motherhood; she dedicated her personal life to serving him, and he remained completely out of the public eye, with his pictures rarely appearing, which made the news of his death highlight the deep human side of the Lebanese legend's life.
A history of tragedies in the Rahbani family
The death of Hali has reopened old wounds in the heart of the Rahbani family. Fairouz is no stranger to the bitterness of loss; she had previously tasted the bitterness of grief with the death of her daughter, Layal Rahbani, in 1988 following a sudden stroke—a tragedy that left a profound mark on the legendary singer. She also lost her life partner and artistic collaborator, the composer Assi Rahbani , in 1986, whose passing marked the end of a golden era in Lebanese musical theater.
Contrary to recent rumors surrounding the family, her eldest son, the great artist Ziad Rahbani , continues his artistic career, as does her daughter, director Rima Rahbani, who accompanies her mother and manages her artistic and media affairs.
The Rahbani legacy and its cultural influence
This tragic family event cannot be separated from the broader context of the Rahbani family's esteemed position in the Arab consciousness. This family formed a complete artistic school that elevated Lebanese song from a local to a global phenomenon. Despite successive tragedies, Fairouz remains a symbol of resilience and national unity in Lebanon, where the Lebanese consider her the "seventh pillar" of Baalbek, and their unifying voice in times of both peace and war.
The Arab public and fans of Fairouz reacted to the news on social media platforms, expressing their full solidarity with “our ambassador to the stars,” praying for her patience and solace in her new tragedy, and recalling a long history of artistic contributions that were not stopped by personal sorrows.
