Dora Moroni, once the beloved "valletta" of Italian television alongside Corrado, recently opened up about her tumultuous past and the life-altering accident she survived. The 70-year-old singer and TV personality spoke candidly to Corriere della Sera, reflecting on the devastating car crash from 1978 and how it transformed her perspective on life.
The incident occurred on July 13, 1978, when Moroni was traveling with Corrado and his secretary, Marina Donato, returning from a work engagement in Civitavecchia. Corrado lost control of their vehicle, resulting in the horrific crash. "I was thrown out of the car without realizing what had happened," Moroni recounted. The moment of impact resulted in six weeks of coma, during which she claims to have experienced a serene limbo. "While I was comatose, I understood there is no death," she remarked, indicating the depth of her near-death experience.
Upon awakening, Dora faced the painful reality of her injuries. "I woke up to my mother's voice but could not speak or walk again," she recalled. Doctors informed her family of the grim prognosis, saying she might never recover fully. Despite the bleak predictions, Dora embarked on a long rehabilitation process, driven by the unwavering support of her mother and various professional specialists, including logopedists assisting her with speech recovery.
Moroni has expressed disappointment over Corrado's actions following the accident, stressing the lack of apologies or significant support from him. "For the first three months, he did not even let me speak or greet the public," she said, referring to Corrado's choices aimed at generating interest around her recovery. Dora noted, “I tried to rebel, but he didn’t change his mind.” While he visited weekly, she felt the emotional distance growing between them.
Her experience post-accident was not solely anchored on disappointment; several media personalities, including Barbara D’Urso, provided much-needed assistance during her rehabilitation. "Barbara has been instrumental for many things," she stated, highlighting the importance of friendship within the entertainment industry during her trying times.
Initially, Dora channeled her frustrations and anguish through reflection. “When I began to wake up, I didn’t want to return to this life,” she admitted, emphasizing the beautiful visions she claimed to have seen during her coma. “I was engulfed by light and felt truly at peace; it was liberative.” Interestingly, Dora conveyed her acceptance of life’s fragility. Despite the pain and struggle, she proclaimed, "I would like to die" because of the comforting memories of her time out of body. To her, death is not to be feared but embraced, symbolizing the beginning of another beautiful existence.
The arduous path back to her public persona was laden with challenges. Dora returned to the spotlight gradually, with much less acclaim than before her accident. "I resumed singing about three years after the accident, and it felt wonderful. My voice didn’t break when I sang,” she reflected on her first singing experience post-rehabilitation.
Dora Moroni captured the hearts of viewers with her vibrant personality during her tenure on Domenica IN. She also expressed annoyance at the entertainment industry’s tendency to overlook her contributions after her accident. “It hurt to see others fill my role. I was forced to confront the reality of my limitations,” she explained. Yet instead of wallowing, she embraced her new life by focusing on what truly mattered: her son, Alfredo, and her close friendships.
Today, living with chronic pain and mobility issues, Dora remains positive, asserting, "I may have lost much, but I also gained this beautiful son." Despite her struggles, she enjoys the small pleasures of life, such as makeup and hair care, proudly stating, “I care about my appearance.” Frequently confiding her thoughts with her supportive friend Antonella, she evaded bitterness about her past and remained grateful for the lessons learned.
Dora's story resonates deeply, as she remains living proof of resilience and overcoming adversity. Each reflection contains hints of hope and acceptance, showcasing her refusal to be defined by her accidents. Today, her voice has not only regained its strength but also serves as a reminder of the unbreakable spirit of those who fight against all odds.