Kessler Twins Choose Assisted Death, Confirms German Society for Humane Dying
Alice and Ellen Kessler, renowned German twins and variety entertainers, have passed away at the age of 89 through joint assisted suicide. This news was confirmed by the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS). Their death occurred in Gruenwald, a suburb of Munich. The local police reported a deployment in the area but did not disclose specific details about the incident.
Kessler Twins and Assisted Death
The Kessler twins sought assistance from the DGHS over a year ago. According to DGHS spokesperson Wega Wetzel, their decision was deliberate and long-considered, free from psychiatric crises. The twins expressed a wish to die together on the same date, citing difficulty in the thought of one passing before the other.
In a previous interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, they articulated their final wishes. They also wished for their ashes to be placed in a single urn alongside their mother, Elsa, and their dog, Yello.
Legal Framework in Germany
Assisted dying is legal in Germany under certain conditions. The country’s highest court ruled in 2020 that individuals possess the right to end their lives with third-party assistance, provided there are no external pressures influencing their decision.
The Kessler Twins’ Legacy
The Kessler sisters rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Initially, they trained in classical ballet before escaping East Germany in 1952. Their careers flourished when they performed at the Lido in Paris and represented Germany at the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest.
- They appeared on several episodes of “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
- The sisters featured on the cover of Life magazine and mingled with stars like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
In Italy, they became television icons, being the first female performers to showcase their legs on screen. Their popularity soared after they appeared naked in the Italian edition of Playboy in 1976, which sold out quickly. Even today, RAI, the Italian state broadcaster, plans extensive coverage of their passing, showcasing their historic performances.
Continuing Influence
The twins maintained their connection to the entertainment industry well into their later years. They made guest appearances on German television and starred in a musical that toured Berlin, Munich, and Vienna from 2015 to 2016.
The Kessler twins also shared a deeply intertwined personal life. They lived in adjoining apartments and met for lunch daily. Tino Kieig, mayor of their birthplace in Grimma, expressed the town’s sorrow over their loss, honoring their legacy as world-famous personalities.
