Farewell to Pippo Baudo : the famous TV host, 89, died this evening in Rome. The news, coming from sources close to the family, was confirmed by his longtime lawyer and close friend, Giorgio Assumma.

A monument to Italian television, Baudo was born in Militello in Val di Catania on June 7, 1936. A very long career as a protagonist, rewarded with the honor of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest recognition, which President Sergio Mattarella presented to him at the Quirinale on September 22, 2021.

For him, 89 years old and many records, such as the historic one of having hosted 13 Sanremo Festivals, five of which were consecutive (from 1992 to 1996) like the other legend Mike Bongiorno and like Amadeus.

A guest on La tv fa 70, the program hosted by Massimo Giletti on Rai 1 to mark the 70th anniversary of Italian television, Baudo had scolded Amadeus, unwilling to believe that 2024 would truly be his last Festival. History will turn out differently; it's well known that Ama will move to Nove, but when he agreed to host the first festival, he ran to Baudo for advice.

A lover of Sardinia—he frequently stays in Torre delle Stelle, especially with his ex-wife Katia Ricciarelli— Baudo also has a great passion for classical opera and a dream of becoming a conductor ("a dream I never achieved: I envied the skill of Pippo Caruso, with whom I developed a strong friendship. Conducting so many musicians is truly an indescribable feeling: I only know how to play the piano"). And then there's the proverbial flair for spotting talent, from Laura Pausini to Lorella Cuccarini.

He had a great regret, "not having worked with Raffaella Carrà" as he admitted with emotion when the showgirl queen of TV died.

Over 150 programs, including Settevoci, Canzonissima, Domenica in, Fantastico, Serata d'onore, Novecento, several films, and even songs written for other artists: "Pippo nazionale" has a career spanning over 60 years and has attracted generations of viewers to his shows. He also served as director of the Catania Opera House.

His last public appearance was at Pierfrancesco Pingitore's 90th birthday party, where he appeared smiling even though he was in a wheelchair, immortalized in various shots surrounded by many friends.

CONDOLENCES – Condolences are unanimous from the entertainment world and beyond. "Pippo was like a father to me," said Giancarlo Magalli, "with him a piece of my life goes away," Mara Venier expressed her condolences. "A great RAI activist," commented Renzo Arbore . "His face and voice," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remembered on X, "have accompanied entire generations, providing emotions, smiles, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for everything."

(Unioneonline/vl)

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