Gabi Novak Death and Obituary – Gabrijela “Gabi” Novak, one of Croatia’s most beloved and influential singers, passed away on August 11, 2025, in Zagreb, Croatia. She was 88 years old. Novak died peacefully at a nursing home, only weeks after recovering from a bout of pneumonia. Her passing comes as yet another heartbreak for the Croatian music scene, arriving just two months after the death of her son, acclaimed jazz pianist Matija Dedić. She was also the widow of the legendary Croatian singer-songwriter Arsen Dedić, who died in 2015.
Born in Berlin in 1936 and raised in Yugoslavia, Novak’s artistic journey began in the late 1950s, during a time when the Croatian music scene was undergoing dynamic change. She first appeared as a singer for Radio Zagreb and soon captivated audiences with her warm, velvety voice and a style that was both sophisticated and deeply emotional. Her music seamlessly blended elements of jazz, swing, French chanson, and pop, creating a unique artistic identity that set her apart from her contemporaries.
By the early 1960s, Novak had become a household name across the former Yugoslavia. Her performances were marked not only by technical precision but also by a remarkable ability to convey vulnerability, longing, and joy through song. She recorded numerous albums, each showcasing her adaptability to different genres while maintaining her signature elegance. Novak’s collaborations with leading musicians of her time further enriched her repertoire and expanded her influence.
Her marriage to Arsen Dedić brought together two of Croatia’s most celebrated musical talents, creating a partnership that was as artistically fruitful as it was personal. Together, they performed, recorded, and nurtured a family legacy in music that would be carried forward by their son, Matija. The recent loss of Matija made Novak’s final months particularly difficult, yet those close to her say she remained graceful and composed until the end.
Over her decades-long career, Gabi Novak received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Porin Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. The award recognized her immense contributions to Croatian music and her role in shaping the nation’s cultural heritage. Even in her later years, Novak’s performances and recordings continued to inspire both seasoned listeners and younger generations of musicians.
Her artistry went beyond technical mastery; it was her sincerity and emotional depth that resonated so deeply with audiences. She had the rare ability to make each listener feel as if she were singing directly to them, whether in a crowded concert hall or through the quiet intimacy of a record player.
With Gabi Novak’s passing, Croatia has lost not only a pioneering voice in its music history but also a symbol of grace, resilience, and artistic devotion. Her songs will continue to echo through time, a testament to a life lived in harmony with melody and meaning. As the curtain falls on her remarkable life, fans and fellow artists alike will remember her not just for her music, but for the warmth and humanity she brought to every note she sang.
