Donatella Rettore, the iconic Italian singer, is known not just for her music, but also for her deeply personal life experiences and her long-standing relationship with husband Claudio Rego. Since they began their relationship back in 1977, Rettore and Rego have navigated the highs and lows of life together, shaping their bond through years of shared joys and challenges.
Rettore opened up to Vanity Fair about their relationship, candidly reflecting on the significant moments they’ve faced together. "È molto importante per me, anche se continuo a conservare la memoria dei suoi errori, siamo insieme dal ‘77, mi ha vista piangere e, purtroppo, certe cose non riesco a dimenticarle, i grandi dolori lasciano delle cicatrici che ogni tanto si riaprono e generano sangue," she shared, indicating some difficulties they have encountered, potentially hinting at past betrayals. Despite the strains, their enduring love has been apparent, proving resilient through the passage of time.
Another poignant aspect of Rettore's life, which she articulated during her interview, is her contemplation about family and motherhood. The couple has never had children, and it’s been a source of reflection for the singer. "Forse dall’alto qualcuno ha deciso che non fossi pronta," she mused, sharing her bittersweet thoughts on the absence of children and expressing regret about the lost possibility of Rego being able to parent. "Credo che Claudio sarebbe stato uno splendido papà, di sicuro molto più di me. C’è sempre un perché quando non accadono delle cose," she added, indicating her belief in Rego's abilities as a father.
Rettore’s life is marked not just by her relationship, but also by her individual struggles. She revealed to Vanity Fair her feelings of isolation growing up without siblings, saying, "Ho sofferto a non aver avuto un compagno di giochi o un fratello, mia madre ha avuto quattro figli, ma l’unica che è sopravvissuta sono io. Mi sono sempre sentita così: una sopravvissuta." These early experiences have shaped her self-identity and her artistic expression.
Health is another topic close to Rettore's heart. She candidly admitted, "Non ho paura della morte, ma della malattia, ripenso a mia madre, che alla mia età ha avuto una trombosi che col tempo l’ha portata a sviluppare una bruttissima osteoporosi." This fear stems from watching her mother suffer, bringing to light the vulnerabilities of health alongside the glamorous life of fame.
Despite these personal battles, Rettore continues to thrive professionally. She recently performed at the annual year-end show, L’anno che verrà, on Rai1, showcasing her timeless hits and connecting with new generations of fans. She also participated recently at the prestigious Festival di Sanremo with Ditonellapiaga, affirming her place within Italy's vibrant music scene.
Throughout her decades-long career, Rettore has truly become a cultural icon, blending pop artistry with introspective realism. Her openness about personal challenges has endeared her to many, allowing fans to see the person behind the music. Each performance tells her story, rich with experiences of love, loss, dreams, and reflections, making her not just a singer, but also something of a poet of her life’s narrative.
While her relationship with Claudio Rego remains foundational, the rich layers of her life and career speak volumes about resilience and the raw essence of being human. Donatella Rettore embodies the spirit of artistic expression through the lens of lived experience, inviting audiences to share her path as she navigates the harmony between her personal and professional realms.