Greek singer Dimitris Kokotas has died at the age of 57, following a long health battle that began in March 2024, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the country's entertainment industry.
News of his death spread quickly among friends, singers, television presenters and former collaborators, who filled social media with photographs, shared memories and farewell messages.
Tributes from fellow performers
Singer Katy Garbi, who had worked with Kokotas and known him for years, wrote that for two and a half years everyone had waited and prayed for a miracle. She described him as a wonderful creature and a good kid, saying she would always remember his smile.
Presenter Charis Varthakouris said farewell with a brief, emotional message on social media, reposting a tribute from Grigoris Bithikotsis. The message said that sometimes it is simply impossible to accept certain things, bidding goodbye to Kokotas and saying there were no words.
Actress and singer Traiana Anania, who had been paired with Kokotas as a duo on the television show J2US, shared a video of one of their joint appearances. She was with him on the production at the time his health crisis began. She wrote that she loved him and looked forward to meeting him again in the heavens for many more duets, and sent her embrace to his wife, Katerina.
More farewell messages
Nikos Koklonis, who met Kokotas through J2US, said he chose not to dwell on the difficult images of the past two and a half years. Instead, he wrote that he wanted to remember the man who laughed, sang and brought light to those around him. He also referred to Kokotas's father, the singer Stamatis Kokotas, saying he hoped father and son had now been reunited. Koklonis singled out Kokotas's wife, Katerina, who stayed by his side throughout his illness.
Presenter Roula Koromila revealed a personal detail, saying she still had saved on her phone the last message Kokotas had sent her before his health crisis. She remembered him as a polite, warm and discreet man whom she had met many times on television sets, writing that it hurt her that he was gone.
Singer Christos Dantis chose a photograph of Kokotas to say goodbye, recalling that the two had spent time together through their shared path in music and that what stayed with him was the sweetness of his character. Singer Spyros Bimpilas described him as a simple and cheerful person who, through his health ordeal, became a symbol of courage and patience. Singer Mando said she found it hard to believe that someone she considered among the best people in the industry had died so young.
Manager reveals cause
Sandra Voutsa, who had been Kokotas's manager and close friend for years, told okmag that his body could not withstand septic shock. She described him as a bright, radiant creature and a person full of kindness and humour.
Health battle began during J2US rehearsals
Kokotas's life changed dramatically on 28 March 2024. During rehearsals for the television show J2US, he felt unwell and suffered an acute myocardial infarction followed by cardiac arrest.
He was taken to the Georgios Gennimatas hospital, where he remained for nearly two and a half years, with his family constantly by his side.
Career and legacy
Dimitris Kokotas was born in 1968, the son of Stamatis Kokotas, one of the best-known names in Greek music, but he built his own distinct career in Greek song. His recording career took off in the 1990s, beginning with his first solo album, "Diadoseis", in 1994, followed by major hits and collaborations with prominent figures in Greek music.
Since Tuesday afternoon, however, song titles and record sales have taken a back seat. In the tributes from those who knew him, the same words recur again and again: smile, kindness, decency. Behind the voice and the hits, the people who were close to him remember, above all, the man himself.
