Marie-Paule Belle dies at 80, Serge Lama cites health reasons for missing funeral

French singer and pianist Marie-Paule Belle passed away on 25 July 2026 at the age of 80 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. The loss has resonated deeply within the French chanson community.

Longtime friend and fellow artist Serge Lama, 83, explained that he will not attend her funeral because of mobility difficulties and the emotional strain of attending multiple funerals. He honored Belle on social media and in an interview with Paris Match, recalling a friendship that began in 1975, years of touring together, and their last public meeting in May at the Théâtre de Passy. The two continued to exchange calls and messages up until Belle’s final weeks, during which she preferred to remain at home.

No date for the funeral has been announced.