Carlos Marín, of multi-national quartet Il Divo, died Sunday of COVID complications. He was 53. Marín had been hospitalized on Dec. 8 in the Intensive Care Unit of the Manchester Royal Hospital while on tour in the U.K.
Marín’s death was announced by Il Divo via the group’s Twitter account: “It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marín, has passed away. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. For 17 years, the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend.”
Il Divo was formed in 2003 by Simon Cowell, delivering covers of songs halfway between opera and pop. The group’s singers came from over the world: Urs Bühler was a Swiss tenor, Marín a Germany-born Spaniard, David Miller an American tenor, Sébastien Izambard a French pop singer. Cowell said on Monday: “I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away. He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you.”
Il Divo released 10 studio albums between 2004’s “Il Divo” and this year’s “Once in My Life: A Celebration of Motown,” as well as a compilation, 2012’s “Greatest Hits.” Marín was married to the French-born singer Geraldine Larrosa — known by her stage name Innocence — until 2009. He also released a solo album, “Portrait,” in 2020.
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