Toma Zdravković's widow clarifies cause of death and musical legacy

Gordana Zdravković, the widow of legendary singer Toma Zdravković, has shared new details regarding her late husband’s life and the circumstances surrounding his death 35 years ago. As a tribute concert is organized at the Sava Centar in Belgrade, Gordana reflected on his musical philosophy, noting that he refused to be commercial and instead wrote songs based on his own lived experiences and soul.

Addressing long-standing rumors, Gordana clarified that Zdravković did not die of prostate cancer as previously reported. Instead, she stated he suffered from a rare condition involving papillomas in the bladder, which she linked to complications following a Variola Vera vaccination. She noted that his refusal to adhere to strict medical advice, such as avoiding alcohol and certain foods, contributed to his declining health. She described him as a man who lived through his music, often finding himself through his compositions.