Rita Lee was a Brazilian singer whose successful music career has spanned multiple decades since 1966, making her one of the most beloved artists in the Latin music community.
According to reports, however, the Queen of Brazilian Rock passed away last May 8 at her home in Sao Paulo. She was 75 years old.
Lee's death was not only a loss to the Latin music community, but she was also a champion for feminism and self-love in Brazil.
In 2018, she famously told the Brazilian edition of Rolling Stone: "I was not born to get married and wash underwear. I wanted the same freedom as the boys who used to play in the street with their toy cars.
"When I got into music, I realized that the "machos" reigned absolute, even more in rock music. 'Wow', I said, 'this is where I'm going to let my fangs out and, literally, give them a hard time.'"
Cause of Death
Reports say that a statement regarding the singer's untimely death was shared on social media, which reassured fans that Lee died exactly on her own terms.
"We communicate the passing of Rita Lee, at her residence in the capital of São Paulo, at the end of the night, surrounded by all the love of her family, as she always wanted," the statement read in Portuguese.
Apparently, Lee died after a battle against lung cancer which began in 2021.
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Legacy
The Queen of Brazilian Rock was a prolific singer and songwriter. She released hits like "Ovelha Negara," Mania de Voce," and "Now Only Missing You."
She also received a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award last December 2022, but was not able to come to the award show to accept it personally.
"Rita Lee was a visionary artist and one of the best-selling singer/songwriters in the history of Brazil," said Manuel Abud, the CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.
Several other Brazilian musicians have also come forward to pay tribute to the late singer. "I'm a wreck. The Greatest has left us," wrote Pitty. "There will never be another Rita Lee."
Lee's son, Joao Lee, also paid tribute via social media: "The world has lost one of the most unique and incredible people who ever existed.
"What an intense and spectacular life you had. Admired and loved by so many people. So ahead of your time."
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