Lebanese Star Fairouz's Youngest Son Passes Away
Beloved Arab singing legend faces fresh heartbreak as her family endures another profound loss.
- Publish date: since 16 hour Reading time: 3 min reads
Legendary Lebanese singer Fairouz is grieving the death of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 68 after a long battle with physical and intellectual disabilities that he had had since childhood.
Hali’s death comes just months after the loss of his elder brother, acclaimed composer and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who died in July 2025 at the age of 69, delivering another heavy blow to one of Lebanon’s most influential artistic families.
A Life of Quiet Courage and Silent Devotion
Born in 1958 to Fairouz and her late husband, composer Assi Rahbani, Hali spent his life under the devoted care of his mother due to complex medical challenges stemming from severe health issues in childhood that left him wheelchair‑bound and with significant developmental disabilities.
Unlike his siblings, particularly Ziad, whose bold musical vision made him a revered figure in Arab arts, Hali’s life was lived largely away from the spotlight. Yet his presence was a central part of Fairouz’s personal world and a testament to her lifelong role as a protective and devoted mother.
Rare photos shared in recent years by the Rahbani family captured the deep bond between Hali and his family, particularly his mother, symbolising a life shaped more by love and care than public acclaim.
A Family Marked by Artistic Legacy and Heartbreak
Fairouz, born Nouhad Haddad in Beirut in 1935, is widely regarded as one of the Arab world’s most iconic voices, a singer whose work has spanned decades and whose music has become woven into the cultural identity of the region.
The Rahbani family has played a pivotal role in Lebanese cultural history. Fairouz’s collaborations with Assi Rahbani helped define a new musical language, and her son Ziad’s contributions as a composer and playwright brought sharp creativity and commentary to the arts.
The family’s sorrow stretches back decades: Fairouz and Assi lost their daughter Layal in 1988 at just 28 years old, and now the iconic singer has endured the losses of two of her sons within a matter of months.
Mourning and Condolences
Condolences have begun to pour in from friends, fellow artists and public figures, recognising the Rahbani family’s enduring contribution to Lebanese and Arab culture and extending support to Fairouz and her surviving daughter, Rima Rahbani, during this painfully difficult time.
Plans for Hali’s funeral are expected to be announced shortly, with the community paying tribute to a life marked by quiet resilience and unspoken devotion.
As Lebanon reflects on these losses, the story of the Rahbani family continues to resonate — a narrative of artistic brilliance intertwined with deeply human experiences of love, loss and legacy.