Sources close to the family of the legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz have reported that the iconic artist suffered a temporary breakdown upon learning of the death of her son, the renowned composer Ziad Rahbani, in news that shocked both his family and fans.

According to eyewitness accounts cited by the media, a medical team arrived at Fairuz’s home as news of the death spread, amid an atmosphere of deep sorrow that enveloped her family and the artistic community.

A Strong Bond

It is noteworthy that the relationship between Fairuz and Ziad was not only that of a mother and son but also a remarkable artistic partnership that began at an early age. Ziad composed the song “Sa’alouni Al Nas” (“People Asked Me”) for his mother when he was just fifteen, during a period when his father, the composer Assi Rahbani, was seriously ill while preparing the play “Al Mahatta” (“The Station”).

Throughout their careers, Ziad composed many songs for Fairuz that became classics of Arab music, including “Keefak Enta,” “Wala Keef,” “Oudak Rannan,” and “Qahwa,” among others.

Despite their strong familial and artistic bond, their relationship went through a phase of tension and estrangement, which culminated in public disagreements, particularly following Ziad’s comments regarding political stances attributed to his mother.

However, in recent years, the two reconciled. In 2018, Ziad announced during a televised interview that their differences had been resolved, describing the conflicts as a “misunderstanding.” He also criticized the management of Fairuz’s work by his sister Reema and revealed that he visits his mother daily, preparing for a joint concert featuring both of them.

The passing of Ziad Rahbani marks the end of a luminous chapter in contemporary Arab music history, leaving a profound impact on his family and the Arab public—especially on his mother Fairuz, to whom he was deeply connected both emotionally and artistically for decades.