Pongsri Woranuch, known as the queen of Thai country music, has passed away at the age of 85, per American Songwriter. She reportedly had "a lung-related illness." Her son confirmed her death, which happened on Sunday morning. Per the outlet, "The famed singer and Thai music icon had been struggling with either lung disease or cancer, according to varying reports. She was allegedly in and out of hospitals leading up to her death."
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Funeral rites will be held for her on April 17 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Pongsri Woranuch's Son Wrote A Heartbreaking Facebook Post After Her Death
Jujuk Boonnachoti, Woranuch's son, posted this heartrending message on Facebook about his late mother. His plea for forgiveness is deeply sorrowful. "And then Mom got on the last express train and left us. No need to hug a pillow and sleep in the cold anymore, Mom. For all the actions, words, and thoughts that I have done carelessly or made mistakes, please forgive me."
She Occupies A Lofty And Secure Niche In The Genre
According to the outlet, "Pongsri Woranuch was widely considered to be one of the most iconic singers in Thai music—known to many as the First Queen of Luk Tang [which is Thai country music}." A native of Thailand's Chai Nat province, she was born in 1939. Woranuch began her highly successful career at a young age in a traveling theater group. She began recording at the age of 16. "From there, she joined Thai singer Suraphol Sombatcharoen's band and launched a career that would last for decades."
Woranuch Was An Innovator
It sounds like she broke the mold, in some ways. Woranuch, who possessed "a high-pitched voice," combined various musical components in an artistic manner. Along with performing Thai country music, she mixed in American country and western music and East Asian music.
A Prestigious Honor Came Her Way 33 Years Ago
According to the outlet, "In 1992, Woranuch was awarded the Thai National Artist title and is only the second Luk Tang artist in history to receive the distinguished honor." A remarkable and accomplished person, she will surely be missed and always remembered for her unique talent and ability.
