Guesch Patti, real name Patricia Porrasse, has died in Paris in the early hours of Monday, June 22. The iconic French singer had been struggling with a long illness12:03, 23 Jun 2026Updated 12:03, 23 Jun 2026Legendary French vocalist Guesch Patti, born Patricia Porrasse, has died. The singer, aged 80, died in Paris in the early hours of Monday after battling ill health.‌Her representative, Sébastien d'Assigny, announced the heartbreaking news. "Guesch Patti, dancer, singer, actress, left us in the night of June 21-22, 2026, in Paris, following a long illness. She leaves behind, to all the audiences who were able to see her on stage, the memory of a woman full of life in her artistic expression," he wrote in a statement to AFP.‌The acclaimed performer achieved worldwide recognition with her enormous 1987 smash Étienne, which shifted approximately one and a half million copies globally.‌The daring music video, featuring the artist performing a striptease down to a fishnet bodysuit with merely two tape strips concealing her nipples, created quite a stir upon release, and the single became a phenomenal success throughout France and numerous European nations.Despite maintaining considerable popularity and describing herself as a "chameleon" who liked to "work quietly with all the arts", she never managed to replicate that track's extraordinary commercial triumph.‌During a 2001 AFP interview while appearing in a contemporary dance production in Paris, she revealed the song had dominated her professional life despite earning her a Victoire de la musique accolade, reports the Express."I don't want to relive what I experienced with Etienne. I want to protect myself from further media hype. I'm done playing games," she said. She expressed comparable sentiments in 2002 during an interview with France 3, describing the fame Etienne had brought her as a "burden"."I think there was a kind of pressure that fell on me, which didn't suit my character at all," she said admitting she was hurt the music industry could consider her "as a product."‌Nevertheless, she persisted with her musical career, producing albums including Nomades, Gobe, Blonde and Dernières nouvelles. She also ventured into acting across theatre and film, with a memorable role in Claude Lelouch's 199 film Une pour toutes.Heartfelt tributes poured in for the beloved artist following confirmation of her death. On Facebook, one devoted fan wrote: "She's gone, accompanied by the celebration of music, as if by magic, her greatest hit will live forever! ! Hold on tight! ! ... Étienne! ! !" Another commented: "Oh no. I adored her. I have all her albums and, contrary to what you read in the comments, her talent wasn't limited to Étienne."A third supporter shared: "Thinking of Guesch Patti. A free and influential artist, she left a unique mark on French music with her unforgettable song Étienne. Thank you for the music, for the audacity, and for the artistic energy."Article continues belowA fourth mourner wrote: "Guesch Patti, an incredible, free-spirited artist who defined the 80s with her unique style and iconic voice, RIP Mademoiselle."If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.