Lula announces three days of mourning for singer Rita Lee's death

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared on Tuesday, 9 May, an official three-day mourning period over the death of singer Rita Lee, as reported by TV CULTURA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The queen of Brazilian rock, Rita Lee Jones de Carvalho, better known as Rita Lee, died at the age of 75 last Monday night, 8 May. This information was shared by the singer's family via social media the following day.

On his social media, Lula expressed regret over the artiste's death. "Rita Lee Jones is one of the greatest and brightest names in Brazilian music. Singer, songwriter, actress and multi-instrumentalist. An artist who was ahead of her time. I thought the title of queen of rock was inappropriate, but it is a title that truly reflects her journey," he wrote.

The head of state also added that Rita will never be forgotten and extended his condolences to her family members.

"Rita helped transform Brazilian music with her creativity and courage. She spared no one with her humour and eloquence. She inspired generations of women in rock and art," added Lula da Silva.

Photo: flickr.com