Greek singer Dimitris Kokotas has died at the age of 57 at G. Gennimatas hospital in Athens after being hospitalized since March 2024.
The popular performer, who was the son of legendary Greek laiko singer Stamatis Kokotas, passed away following a long health battle that left colleagues and fans across the artistic world in mourning.
Kokotas had been receiving medical care at G. Gennimatas hospital for more than two years after suffering a medical emergency on March 28, 2024. He experienced an acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest while taking part in rehearsals for the television entertainment show Just the 2 of Us, commonly known as J2US.
His colleagues on set immediately called the National Centre for Emergency Care, known as EKAB, and the singer was rushed to G. Gennimatas hospital. Medical bulletins released at the time stated that resuscitation efforts were performed on Kokotas before he was intubated and admitted urgently to the hospital's Hemodynamic Unit.
His family remained by his bedside throughout his hospitalization. In June 2026, his sister Elli Kokota addressed rumors regarding his health, denying reports that his condition had deteriorated and stating that he remained stable.
Musical career and platinum records
Born on December 14, 1968, Kokotas followed his famous father into the Greek music industry and established a prominent solo career in popular music. Over the decades, he performed alongside leading figures of Greek music, including Marinella, Katy Garbi, Angela Dimitriou, Antypas, Vassilis Karras, Konstantina, and Litsa Giagkousi, as well as sharing the stage with his father, Stamatis Kokotas.
Kokotas released his debut solo album, Diadoseis, in 1994, featuring music and lyrics written by composer Phoebus. The record achieved gold certification after selling approximately 30,000 copies across Greece and Cyprus. The release spawned several popular hits, including Diadoseis, Afta ta heili, Ante geia mas, and Ki an s' agapo.
In November 1995, Kokotas released his second studio album, Syneidisi, which propelled his career to new commercial heights. The album achieved platinum status and featured hit tracks such as Giati me tyrannas, Poly kali gia na 'sai alithini, Ki ase na lene, Syneidisi, and Anemona.
Peak success with Acharistia
His third album, Acharistia, was released in May 1997 and marked his final record collaboration with Phoebus. The album attained gold status within its first week of release before eventually reaching platinum certification in both Greece and Cyprus.
Acharistia became the most successful record of Kokotas's career, achieving more than 80,000 sales. Kokotas leaves behind a distinct body of work that helped shape Greek popular music throughout the 1990s and beyond.
