Fans across Brazil and around the world are mourning the heartbreaking loss of singer Vanessa Rios, who has passed away at just 42 years old after a long and courageous fight with cancer.
The beloved star, who had performed as recently as this summer in the U.S., passed away on October 25 at a hospital where she had been undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.
From local talent to national star
Born and raised in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, part of Brazil’s Greater Recife region, Vanessa’s rise to fame was nothing short of remarkable.
Her journey began in 2010 when she joined the Brasília-based group Encosta Neu. Two years later, she broke through with her first big hit, “Lençol Vermelho” (Red Sheet), as part of the band Boa Toda.
In 2014, Vanessa captured national attention after winning a televised competition to become the new lead singer of Kitara, replacing the group’s former vocalist.
Her dynamic stage presence and powerhouse vocals made her a fan favorite, and soon she was performing with other well-known forró bands like Forró do Muído and Capim com Mel.
“She lit up every stage she ever stepped on,” one fan wrote on social media. “Her voice carried both joy and pain — she made you feel every lyric.”
Dream beyond Brazil
Vanessa’s final concert in Brazil took place on April 12, at the Playlist Festival in Olinda, where she joined the legendary forró band Limão com Mel for a special live DVD recording.
During the show, she laughed with fans and shouted, “Make some noise if you’re happy!” Later, she told the crowd, “What a joy to be here with you, my loves.”
But that wasn’t her last time on stage. Just two months later, in June 2025, she performed one final time, at a Saint John’s Day celebration in Florida, USA.
Her American husband, Joe Ridenhour, confirmed that performance was her last before her health worsened. Vanessa had been living in the U.S. with Joe, working on expanding her career internationally while continuing treatment for her illness, according to G1.
Fierce fight against a rare cancer
Vanessa’s battle with cancer began years ago. In 2019, doctors discovered a sarcoma in her leg, which she successfully overcame after treatment. She celebrated her recovery publicly, proudly saying she was “100% cured.”
But in 2023, tragedy struck again when she was diagnosed with pulmonary synovial sarcoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects young adults.
Despite the devastating prognosis, Vanessa refused to give up her passion for music. She continued to perform, even through chemotherapy, inspiring fans with her strength and optimism.
In her final Instagram post in late September, she wrote:
“It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our lives that matters. That’s what truly matters – family is the anchor that keeps us steady through life’s storms.”
Those words have since been flooded with thousands of comments from fans, friends, and fellow artists paying tribute.
A farewell full of love
On Tuesday (Oct. 28), Vanessa was cremated at Guararapes Memorial Cemetery in her hometown, surrounded by family, friends, and fans.
Vanessa leaves behind her 16-year-old daughter, Larissa, who she often called her “greatest blessing and reason to smile.”
Her daughter, Larissa, spoke through tears during the memorial:
“We can’t measure the love we have for her. The pain will always remain, but I feel relief knowing she’s no longer suffering. She’s in a better place now — and she’ll always be in our hearts.”
Vanessa’s mother, Ana Nelma Alves Piedade, added:
“Our hearts are heavy, but we can’t be selfish. She suffered so much. We thank God for taking her to rest. My little warrior will shine in heaven.”
Even her father shared how Vanessa had asked for peace in her final days:
“She told us she wanted to be free from the pain. It’s heartbreaking, but we take comfort in knowing she’s finally resting.”
Her legacy lives on
Vanessa Rios’s voice helped define a generation of Brazilian brega and forró music.
Over her 15-year career, she sang with some of the country’s most iconic bands —and built a devoted following of more than 680,000 fans on Instagram.
Her courage, warmth, and gratitude left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
As one fan wrote beneath her final post:
“You sang through the pain. You showed us what real strength looks like. Heaven just gained the most beautiful voice.”
It’s just so heartbreaking when someone so young is taken from their family because of cancer. 💔 No one should have to go through that kind of pain.
Sending all my love, strength, and sympathy to Vanessa Rios’s family and her daughter, Larissa, during this incredibly difficult time. May her light and music live on forever. 🕊️💐
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