The Kessler twins – legendary performers who once shared stages with icons such as Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire – have reportedly passed away on Monday through what has been described as a medically assisted end-of-life process. Their departure has left fans across Europe and around the world deeply moved, as the two sisters had been inseparable in both their personal lives and their decades-long artistic careers.
According to reports published in the German outlet Bild, Alice and Ellen Kessler, both aged 89, chose to end their lives together at their home near Munich. Sources claim that the twins had expressed that they “no longer wanted to live,” and after long consideration, they opted for a legal medical-aid procedure that allowed them to pass away peacefully and on their own terms. Their decision, though heartbreaking, is said to have been mutual, carefully planned, and aligned with their lifelong bond.
Born in 1936, the Kessler sisters rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming beloved cultural figures throughout Europe. Their first major international recognition came when they represented West Germany in the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest, earning eighth place. Though not a winning position, their performance captured widespread admiration, marking them as charismatic entertainers with undeniable stage presence. Their elegance, synchrony, and charm quickly made them familiar faces across the continent.
Their popularity soared even further in the 1960s thanks to their appearances on the Italian variety show Studio Uno, a program known for propelling many entertainers into stardom. The twins’ performances, filled with polished choreography and impeccable style, helped cement their reputation as European entertainment icons. Their appearance on the cover of Playboy Magazine added another layer to their fame, bringing them into the international spotlight and solidifying their image as glamorous, modern, and influential figures in show business.
On Monday, November 19, the sisters reportedly passed away together at home with the assistance of medical supervision. This form of death—referred to in Germany as dying by “medical aid”—has been legal since 2019. It differs significantly from euthanasia, which remains illegal across most of Europe. In medically assisted dying, the individual must personally administer the prescribed life-ending medication, ensuring that the act is voluntary, autonomous, and not carried out by a doctor. The law requires that the person be of sound mind, fully informed, and acting entirely of their own free will.
In the case of the Kessler twins, authorities were notified immediately after their deaths. Police investigated the scene, confirmed there was no foul play, and classified the passing as a legally permissible procedure. Their close connection, both on and off stage, had been well-documented throughout their lives. In an interview with Bild last year, Alice and Ellen expressed their wish to be buried together in the same urn, symbolizing their unbreakable lifelong unity even after death.
Following the announcement of their passing, tributes began pouring in from fans, public figures, and media outlets across Europe. Radio Monte Carlo shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, honoring the extraordinary careers and bond of the twins.
“Alice and Ellen Kessler left together, just as they lived: inseparable,” their tribute read. “Born in 1936, they were an absolute symbol of European entertainment, from music to dance to television. In Italy, they were celebrated as the ‘legs of the nation,’ a true icon of elegance, talent, and stage charisma since the 1950s.”
The statement continued, praising their extraordinary presence in the performing arts.
“A unique artistic couple, capable of leaving an indelible imprint on the collective imagination.”
With their passing, the world says goodbye to two of Europe’s most enduring entertainers—women whose careers spanned decades, whose influence touched countless artists, and whose bond remained unshakable until the very end.
Rest in peace, Alice and Ellen Kessler.