Marlia Mendonça, a Latin Grammy winner and one of Brazil's most prominent singers, died in a plane crash on her way to a concert on Friday. She was 26 years old at the time.
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In a statement, Mendonça's press office acknowledged her death, as well as the deaths of four other passengers aboard the flight. Their jet crashed between Goiania, Mendonça's hometown, and Caratinga, a small town in Minas Gerais state, north of Rio de Janeiro.
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Mendonça's death was also confirmed by the civil police of Minas Gerais state, but no specifics about the reason of the tragedy, which occurred just before arrival.
The emerging talent performed sertanejo, a type of country music popular in Brazil. She was recognised for using her music to address feminist concerns, such as condemning men who abuse their spouses and advocating for female empowerment.
The news sparked a social media outpouring of anguish from all corners of Brazil, including fans, politicians, musicians, and soccer players, on Friday evening. Her Instagram account has a following of 38 million people.
After the news came, Mendonça's friend and Brazilian soccer player Neymar wrote on Twitter, "I refuse to believe, I just refuse." Brazil's government expressed its condolences as well.
Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, also took to social media to express his condolences at the death of "one of the greatest artists of her generation."
“The news has shocked the entire country,” he remarked.
Her album "Em Todos os Cantos" was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2019 for best sertanejo album. This year, she was nominated for the same honor for "Patroas."
Mendonça was also known for her romantic songs, which typically touched with loss.
On Twitter, fan Michelle Wisla remarked, "You always make me cry, you're unique and eternal.”
Mendonça is survived by his son, who will turn two next month.