THEFrance mourns the death of Guesch Pattiwho passed away at the age of 80. Singer, dancer and actress, passed away on the night between 21 and 22 June 2026 in Paris after a long illness. The news was communicated by his agent through a note released on Monday 22 June. Artist with an eclectic personality, for the general public his name remains inextricably linked to Etiennethe song that transformed her into one of the most recognizable figures on the French and European music scene in 1987 (the song was also a huge success in Italy, where it conquered the market in 1988).
Guesch Patti, the singer of Etiennesuccess of the 80s
Her agent, Sébastien d’Assigny, announced her passing in a statement: «Mademoiselle Guesch Patti, dancer, singer and actress, she passed away in Paris on the night between 21 and 22 June 2026, after a long illness”, the announcement. Who remembers her as an artist capable of leaving a mark profound in the audience: «She leaves to all those who had the privilege of seeing her on stage the memory of a woman overflowing with life in his artistic expression.”
Who was Guesch Patti
Born March 16, 1946 in Neuilly-sur-Seine under the name Patricia Porrasse, Guesh Patti initially trained as a dancer. While still a child she entered the Paris Opera dance schooland then moved towards contemporary dance. Throughout his career he has collaborated with important European choreographersincluding Roland Petit, Carolyn Carlson and Pina Bausch.
The experience gained on stage also profoundly influenced his subsequent musical path. After some artistic experiences in the sixties and, subsequently, with the group Da Capo in the 1980s, he embarked on a solo career adopting the stage name Guesch Patti.
Guesch Patti. (Getty Images)
The success of Etienne
The turning point has come, however in 1987 with Etiennea song destined to become his trademark. The song got it a huge commercial successreaching the top of the charts and establishing itself in several European countries. The single sold over one and a half million copies, remaining at number one in the French charts for five weeks.
The success of the song was accompanied from a video clip which at the time caused controversy for its strong sensuality, so much so that some television stations decided not to broadcast it. In 1988 the recognition of the Victories of Musicwhere Guesch Patti was awarded female revelation of the year.
Alba Parietti did Etienne a workhorse, the performance a Such and Such Show
Among the characters who have brought Guesch Patti back to the small screen in recent years Alba Parietti was also there. In the 2021 edition of Such and Such Showthe showgirl in fact took on the role of the French singer, performing to the tune of Etienne during the October 8 episode. A non-random choice: Parietti herself had repeatedly said that she was considering the song one of his workhorses. Which he played in many shows and hosted, even ending up parodied by Francesca Reggiani on “Avanzi”.
A career between music, dance and theatre
After the success of the album LabyrintheGuesch Patti chose not to follow a strictly commercial path, publishing works that explored different musical languages. In the following years she often returned to her artistic roots, dedicating himself to contemporary dance and to the theatre. He then worked as an actress in cinemataking part in several films in supporting roles.
