Katia Ricciarelli discusses family tragedies and loss

Italian singer Katia Ricciarelli has shared intimate details regarding her family's history and the personal tragedies she has faced. During an interview on the program ‘La Volta Buona’, the 80-year-old singer discussed the loss of her eldest sister, Maria Luisa, who died in a road accident at the age of 29. Ricciarelli recalled that at the time of the accident, she was only 15 years old. The incident occurred when Maria Luisa stopped to help her daughter tie a shoe and was struck by a vehicle.

Ricciarelli also spoke about her sister Anna, who has been residing in a residential care facility (RSA) for over five years and has lost the ability to speak. To maintain their bond, Ricciarelli visits the facility annually to sing for Anna and the other residents.

The singer described growing up in an all-female household led by her mother, Molara, without the presence of her father, whom she chose not to meet despite his attempts to contact her.