# Deaths of prominent Croatian singers > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-prominent-croatian-singers > Updated: 2026-11-04T05:50:00.000Z. Sources: 158. Developments: 4. In October 2026, two significant figures in the Croatian music industry passed away. Mirko Cetinski, a singer known for his work in the Istrian music scene and his contributions to Radio Rovinj, died following a long illness at approximately 78 or 79 years of age. Later in the month, Mate Mišo Kovač, a major figure in Croatian pop music with nearly five decades of career and over 20 million records sold, died at the age of 85 or 86. While initial reports indicated he died at his home in Split, subsequent reports confirmed he passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his apartment in Podstrana, near Split. Following his death, the Croatian government declared Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a national day of mourning. During a telephone session of the Government, it was mandated that flags be flown at half-mast on all state, local, and regional government buildings, as well as on buildings of legal entities and independent professionals. Unlike a standard day of mourning, this declaration does not require the cancellation of previously planned cultural or entertainment events. A large-scale public farewell was held at the Poljud stadium in Split, organized by HNK Hajduk, Torcida Split, and the Croatian Music Union. The ceremony featured artists such as Giuliano, Mladen Grdović, Jole, Alen Nižetić, and Dražen Zečić. During the program, a procession with Kovač’s coffin circled the stadium pitch as the crowd sang his hits. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković attended the ceremony, honoring the singer as a cultural icon. Following the Split ceremony, the procession is scheduled to travel along the Adriatic highway through Šibenik and other Dalmatian cities toward Zagreb. Kovač is expected to be buried at the Mirogoj cemetery on Wednesday, alongside his son, Edi. ## Claims - Marija Kulić claims Bebica owes her 11,800 euros. (reported by 1 source) - Bebica denies owing 11,800 euros to Marija Kulić. (reported by 1 source) - Mate Mišo Kovač died at the age of 85. (reported by 9 sources) - Mate Mišo Kovač died on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Podstrana. (reported by 6 sources) - The Croatian flag will be flown at half-mast on state and local government buildings. (reported by 6 sources) - The Croatian government declared Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a national day of mourning. (reported by 5 sources) - The national day of mourning does not require the cancellation of planned concerts. (reported by 5 sources) - Kovač was born on July 16, 1941, in Šibenik. (reported by 4 sources) - He sold more than 20 million records during his career. (reported by 4 sources) - Kovač was married three times. (reported by 3 sources) - Kovač won the Split Festival in 1971 with the song “Proplakat će zora”. (reported by 3 sources) - His son, Edi, died in 1992. (reported by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-04: Mišo Kovač honored with mass farewell at Poljud stadium Thousands gathered at Split's Poljud stadium for a massive farewell ceremony honoring the late Croatian singer Mišo Kovač. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mio-kova-honored-with-mass-farewell-at-poljud-stadium ### 2026-11-01: Mate Mišo Kovač honored with mass farewell at Poljud Stadium Tens of thousands gathered at Split's Poljud Stadium for a massive musical farewell to legendary Croatian singer Mate Mišo Kovač, following a national day of condolence. 53 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mio-kova-funeral-scheduled-at-poljud-stadium ### 2026-10-30: Mate Mišo Kovač, legendary Croatian singer, dies at 86 Legendary Croatian singer Mate Mišo Kovač has died at age 86. A regional icon, he sold over 20 million records throughout a career spanning nearly 50 years. 145 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mate-mio-kova-croatian-music-legend-dies-at-85 ### 2026-10-15: Mirko Cetinski, prominent Croatian singer, passes away Croatian singer Mirko Cetinski, a prominent figure in Istrian music and co-founder of Radio Rovinj, has died after a long illness, leaving behind a six-decade musical legacy and his sons, Tony and Matteo. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mirko-cetinski-prominent-croatian-singer-dies-at-78 --- Cite as: Deaths of prominent Croatian singers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-prominent-croatian-singers