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Well-known singer Rita Lee recently passed away from lung cancer on May 8, 2023, at the age of 75. She was at home at the time of her death and had been diagnosed with lung cancer more than a year before, for which she had to undergo treatment. Several people and organizations expressed their grief on different social media platforms.
The Embassy of Brazil in London posted a picture of Lee and wrote that Brazil has lost one of the most talented musicians and called her the 'enfant terrible' of Brazilian rock.
"Brazil has lost singer/songwriter Rita Lee, one of the founders of the psychedelic rock band ‘Os Mutantes’ and widely considered the ‘enfant terrible’ of Brazilian rock. Her prolific career began in the sixties and she has been wildly popular since. It was reported in the eighties that the then Prince of Wales was also a fan. Rest in peace, Rita Lee."
Singer Preta Gil also expressed grief on Facebook by sharing a picture and writing that she spent her childhood with Lee. Stating that Lee has been her idol and muse from childhood to adulthood and they used to sing and laugh together. Gil wrote,
"I got peace with the news of your departure. You lived intensely a beautiful life that transformed the history of this country!!! Rest in peace doesn't suit you, wherever you go, you will forever be light and revolution!!! I love you forever!!!"
Rita Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021
Rita Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and began treatment right away. She had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy at the time.
Lee spoke about her battle with cancer in her autobiography titled Rita Lee: Uma Autobiografia, released this year. She highlighted in the book that she had to deal with physical and emotional obstacles, and her story is said to be an inspiration for anyone who is going through the same.
Lee wrote that when she was diagnosed, she was scared and unsure of what to expect. She added that she decided to fight back and continued:
"Cancer is a terrible disease. It's hard on your body, and it's hard on your mind. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are people who love you, and there are people who will help you through this."
Lee also disclosed that she was cancer-free, but that her battle is far from done, as she continues to receive regular check-ups. She had made it clear that she will continue to live her life and make new music.
Rita Lee's successful career as a singer and composer
Rita was a member of the Brazilian rock band Os Mutantes. The group released 11 albums, two live albums, ten compilation albums, and four EPs. Arnaldo Baptista, Sergio Dias, and Lee were all part of the initial and original lineup.
Lee later pursued a successful career as a solo artist and she released her first album, Build Up, in 1970. She continued to release more albums like Flerte Fatal, Zona Zen, Santa Rita de Sampa, 3001, Balacobaco, and more.
Lee also released a few live albums like Refestanca, Bossa 'n' Roll, A Marca da Zorra, MTV Ao Vivo: Rita Lee, and more. She then gained recognition for her compilation albums like Rita Hits, Meus Momentos, Para Sempre, Novelas, and others.
Rita is survived by her three children and her husband and musician Roberto do Carvalho.
