Lisbon, Sept. 22, 2026 (Lusa) - The Portuguese President, António José Seguro, on Tuesday mourned the death of the musician Jorge Palma, describing him as «an exceptional composer and performer» who had become a leading figure in Portuguese music over the past 50 years.

In a message posted on the presidency office's website, Seguro praised the work of Jorge Palma, who died on Monday, noting that he had always displayed «a rare versatility and eclecticism».

«Portugal bids farewell to one of its icons and one of the great poets of our music and our sensibility. His songs will remain as a vivid and profound reminder of our melancholy; they have shaped Portuguese life for decades and will, for a long time to come, brighten the memories of several generations,» the message states.

Seguro says that songs such as «Deixa-me rir», «Frágil», «Encosta-te a Mim», «A Gente Vai Continuar» and «Dá-me Lume» will serve as a reminder of Jorge Palma's «unpredictable lyricism», «never merely for easy or fleeting effect».

The president also noted that Jorge Palma lent Portuguese music «a unique character» and «an unceasing quest for beauty».

«In a way, we have all lived in his neighbourhood of love, we have all laughed at his verses, we have all felt fragile, we have all promised to remain the people we were when we first sang his songs or when they gave meaning to our lives,» he writes.

Seguro goes on to say that Jorge Palma brought to his music «a rare and precious talent, which infected us all with its virus of harmony, beauty and rebellion».

Jorge Palma, one of the most influential singers and songwriters in contemporary Portuguese music, died on Monday evening, aged 76, his family announced on social media, asking that he be remembered «for his songs and words» and thanking everyone for «all the friendship shown over the years».

Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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