The entertainment world mourns the loss of Alice and Ellen Kessler, the iconic Kessler Twins, who passed away together at the age of 89 through assisted suicide. The German pop duo, famous throughout Europe since the 1950s, particularly in Italy, had expressed their desire to die together, stating that the thought of one outliving the other was unbearable.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Humanes Sterben (DGHS), a Berlin-based assisted dying association, confirmed that the twins chose to have a joint assisted death at their home in Grünwald, near Munich. A spokesperson for the DGHS, Wega Wetzel, explained that the sisters had been members of the organisation for over a year and had contacted them to facilitate access to legal and medical support.
German law permits assisted dying under specific circumstances, following a 2020 ruling by the country's highest court affirming an individual's right to end their life and seek assistance, provided they are not under external pressure. In this case, the life-ending drugs were administered in the presence of a physician and a lawyer, who subsequently notified the police. Authorities confirmed that the decision was well-considered, long-standing, and free from any psychiatric crisis.
The Kessler Twins rose to fame as a variety entertainment duo, captivating audiences with their singing, dancing, and glamour. Their impact was particularly significant in Italy, where they were credited with bringing a new level of sophistication to the country's television network. In an interview last year with Corriere della Sera, the sisters expressed their wish to "leave together, on the same day," highlighting the profound bond they shared.
Their desire was to be interred together in the same urn, alongside their mother, Elsa, and their dog, Yello, as revealed by Ellen Kessler in an interview with German tabloid Bild. The passing of the Kessler Twins marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of entertainment and a poignant reflection on end-of-life choices.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support.