Croatian Music Icon Mate Mišo Kovač Celebrates 85th Birthday Amidst Health Battles

Mate Mišo Kovač, a legendary figure in Croatian music, celebrated his 85th birthday on July 16, 2026. Born and raised in Šibenik, Kovač, often referred to as the "Šibenik Nightingale," has become an enduring icon whose career began in the mid-1960s and spans over five decades.

His music has produced timeless hits beloved across the region, and his stage presence is legendary; a simple gesture can send audiences into a frenzy. In recent years, Kovač has significantly reduced his public appearances due to ongoing health challenges. However, a recent touching photograph shared by his daughter, Ivana, evoked a wave of emotional responses from fans and the public.

Kovač's last known performance was four years prior in Split. Since then, he has been rarely seen, grappling with health problems that have led to canceled performances and hospitalizations. His personal life has been as dramatic as his career, marked by significant family tragedies, including the loss of his son Edi in 1992 and his younger brother Ratko and mother. His daughter Ivana also battled addiction. These events led him to withdraw from the public eye in the 1990s.

Despite the hardships, Kovač found peace and happiness with his third wife, Lidija. He often credits her with being his salvation through numerous life difficulties. They met in 1998 and, although initially not planning marriage, they wed in secret two years later. Lidija remains a devoted companion, accompanying him to concerts and diligently caring for his well-being, mirroring his care for her. His earlier marriages included Ljubica Komadina and Anita Baturina, a former Miss Teen Yugoslavia, with whom he had children Ivana and Edi.

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Our relationship is high quality and beautiful, but we will not get married.