Alice and Ellen Kessler, the iconic German twin entertainers celebrated for their grace and synchronized careers, have died together through medically assisted suicide. They were 89 years old.
The sisters passed away on Monday in the Munich suburb of Grünwald. According to the German newspaper Bild, they made the conscious decision to end their lives together because they no longer wished to live.
A Deliberate and Long-Considered Decision
The German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) confirmed the circumstances of their passing. Wega Wetzel, a spokesperson for the organization, spoke with CNN on Tuesday, stating that the women died through a joint medical-assisted suicide.
Wetzel revealed that the decisive factor was likely their desire to die together on a specific date. She emphasized that their wish was well-considered, long-standing, and free from any psychiatric crisis, though the precise reasoning remains private.
A Life of Synchronized Stardom
The Kessler twins' rise to international fame began when they joined the prestigious Bluebell Girl troupe at the Lido in Paris. This launchpad propelled them to become celebrated figures across post-war Europe, known for their artistry, elegance, and an inseparable bond that captivated audiences for decades.
Their legacy of synchronized lives will extend into their final resting place. The twins are expected to be buried next to their mother, Elsa, and their dog, Yello. In an interview with Bild back in April 2024, they expressed their wish for their ashes to be placed together in a single urn.
Understanding Assisted Dying in Germany
In Germany, the law permits medically assisted dying under strict conditions. As reported by Bild, an individual must be an adult, mentally capable, and acting with full independence and intent. The passing of the Kessler sisters brings the personal and profound nature of this choice into the public eye, closing the final chapter for two women who lived, and ended, their remarkable lives in unison.
