LEGENDARY Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora, nicknamed the "barefoot diva", died in hospital yesterday at the age of 70, three months after retiring due to ill health.
The singing star, who won international acclaim with her sultry voice and melancholy ballads of lost love, died on her native island of São Vicente, Cape Verde Culture Minister Mario Lucio Sousa announced.
In September, her record label Lusafrica said Evora had decided to end her career due to health problems. She underwent open heart surgery in May 2010.
"I have no strength, no energy. I want you to say to my fans: forgive me, but I need to rest," Evora told French newspaper Le Monde at the time.
In February 2010, President Nicolas Sarkozy decorated her with the Legion d' Honneur, France's highest award.
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