On Monday, Lebanon mourned the loss of musician and theater figure Ziad Al-Rahbani, with a vast public and official turnout. His mother, the legendary artist Fayrouz, made a rare public appearance for the occasion, deeply affecting attendees.
Al-Rahbani’s coffin, transported from a hospital in Al-Hamra, arrived at the Church of “Raqd Al-Sayeda” in Kfar Kifia, Mount Lebanon. Mourners lined the roads, tossing flowers and holding signs of grief while displaying pictures of Ziad.
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Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam offers condolences to the artist Fayrouz
Fayrouz’s Public Tribute
Fayrouz, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, attended the service with her daughter Rima Rahbani and sister Hoda Haddad, along with many other Rahbani family members. The 90-year-old artist sat somberly before her son’s coffin, praying silently. Church officials later requested privacy for her prayer time away from the media.
She remained composed as she received condolences, seated next to her daughter Rima. Fayrouz made no public statements, sharing only quiet words with her daughter and lawyer Fawzi Mutran. She permitted media to take photographs inside the church.
Ziad Al-Rahbani, celebrated for his contributions to Lebanese music and theater, passed away on Saturday at the age of 69 after battling liver disease. His extensive body of work left a significant mark on the artistic landscape.
A Nation in Mourning
Among the many dignitaries offering condolences were Nemat Aoun, wife of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, artist Marcel Khalife, poet Talal Haider, singer Magda Al-Roumi, and Tunisian singer Latifa. Poet Talal Haider, who collaborated with Fayrouz and Ziad, expressed, “I want to bid farewell to my friend Ziad.”
Throughout the day, artists, politicians, and public figures paid their respects. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that President Joseph Aoun posthumously awarded Ziad Al-Rahbani the “National Cedar Medal” in the rank of “Commander.”
Haider further reflected, “I speak where words are suffocated. I stand with reverence before the sad mother, family, and friends, and all of Lebanon shares in this great sadness. Ziad, the genius creator, was also the voice of our generation, committed to human and homeland issues, saying what many of us dared not.”
The passing of Ziad Al-Rahbani, the eldest son of Assi Rahbani and Fayrouz, came as a profound shock to his fans and admirers of his mother’s work. Fayrouz herself composed and penned many of his most successful songs, including “I Asked People,” “Your Oud is Ringing,” “How Are You,” “Morning and Evening,” and “I Have Confidence in You.”
One attendee recalled, “I started with the Rahbani brothers in my early artistic life in 1961 through the Baalbek International Festivals… We created nine theatrical works.”
He added, “My first encounter with a five-year-old Ziad showed intelligence in his eyes. He gifted us immortal works, intelligent, inspiring genius. Ziad left us an indelible impact.” Lebanese singer Abdel Karim Al-Shaar stated, “Ziad exists and fills the world with music, culture, civilization. Thanks to Mrs. Fayrouz, who gave us this genius. She is a great artist who does not deserve sadness.”
Gallows Antonian, who had known Al-Rahbani for 45 years, said, “I got out of bed to accept the coffin and say goodbye, Ziad, God be with you.”
