Marina Occhiena, known for her successful career as part of the musical group Ricchi e Poveri, has led a life not only filled with music but also with significant personal milestones, particularly her family life with her husband, Giuseppe Giordano. The couple's love story began during the early 1990s when they met at a charity soccer match featuring actors and singers, where Giuseppe served as the team doctor.
According to Occhiena, the initial meeting set the stage for a lasting relationship. “I met my husband when I was 41 years old,” she recounted. “We felt good together, and we began to think about having a child.” This desire for family was realized when the couple welcomed their son, Gionata, born through assisted reproduction after years of longing.
Despite the challenges faced during pregnancy, Occhiena remained optimistic and firmly believed she would eventually become a mother. "It was a long and difficult path, but I always believed. I had him after years of waiting," she reflected on her experience. Giuseppe, who is also a gynecologist, played an invaluable role throughout this process, offering both medical expertise and emotional support.
Marina has shared how significant the birth of Gionata was for her, describing it as a realization of her lifelong dream. “My son finally arrived; if it hadn't happened, it would have been a tremendous disappointment. It brings me joy when he visits. The family reassembling feels just like when he was little,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
Interestingly, the choice of her son's name also holds special meaning for Occhiena. She confided, “I chose my son’s name 15 years before his birth, and I was certain it would be him. Even before I met my husband, I felt lucky.”
After giving birth, Marina took a six-year hiatus from her music career to devote herself fully to motherhood, only returning to work when Gionata started elementary school. “He always appreciated my work; he’s been my biggest fan,” she added, highlighting the mutual support within their family.
Giuseppe Giordano, Marina's husband, remains largely out of the public eye, preferring to keep his personal life and professional endeavors private. Occupying the role of his wife’s eternal supporter, he has been part of Marina's life for over three decades. The couple married after six years of dating, affirming their commitment to each other with every passing year. "We’ve been together since 1991, for 28 years, not a small feat," said Occhiena.
This commitment has been showcased through their nurturing family dynamic as they have faced life’s ups and downs together, building a solid foundation rooted in trust and mutual respect. Giordano's profession as a gynecologist is particularly poignant, as Marina expressed, "He is sweet, but he directs and manages everything. I’m happy and confident about my love, feeling he truly does so much for me beyond being my partner."
Their partnership exemplifies how love and support can navigate the complex pathways of life, particularly through the challenges of late maternity. While Occhiena's career brought her fame and admiration, it is her family life with Giordano and their son Gionata where she finds her deepest fulfillment. She remains grateful for the unwavering support of her husband and cherishes the beautiful moments they share as family.