Ornella Vanoni, the celebrated Italian singer known for her timeless hits such as "Senza Fine" and "L'appuntamento," has died at the age of 91. The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes, including a heartfelt message from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. On X, Meloni expressed her deep sorrow, stating that Vanoni’s "unmistakable voice" has left a significant mark on Italian culture. "Italy loses a unique artist who leaves us with an unrepeatable artistic heritage," she remarked. According to reports from La Stampa, Vanoni died from cardiac arrest at her home in Milan. Over her remarkable seven-decade career, she recorded more than 100 albums and sold over 55 million copies, earning her the affectionate title of "The Lady of Italian Song." Born in Milan in 1937, Vanoni initially pursued a career in theatre, even performing on Broadway in 1964. However, her passion for music soon took centre stage. LaPresse described her performing style as "highly personal and sophisticated," with a repertoire that spanned genres from jazz to pop. Her collaboration with renowned Genovese singer-songwriter Gino Paoli led to the creation of the iconic song "Senza Fine" (Without End), which launched her international career in 1961. Throughout her career, she worked with notable artists such as Gil Evans, Herbie Hancock, and George Benson, as reported by ANSA news agency. Vanoni was a familiar face at Italy's prestigious music festivals, competing eight times in the Sanremo Music Festival. She achieved second place in 1968 with her song "Casa Bianca." Her songwriting talents were recognised with the Tenco Award, which she won twice, making her the only Italian singer to receive the prize as a songwriter and the only woman to win it on two occasions. One of her most commercially successful songs, "L'appuntamento," is an Italian cover of the Brazilian song "Sentado à beira do caminho" by Erasmo and Roberto Carlos. Originally released in 1970, it gained renewed popularity after being featured in the soundtrack of Steven Soderbergh's 2004 film "Ocean's Twelve," further solidifying her international fame. In her later years, Vanoni became a sought-after guest on television programmes, known for her unpredictable character and a wealth of anecdotes, as well as her "complete indifference to political correctness," according to ANSA. Her legacy as a pioneering figure in Italian music endures, leaving a lasting impact on generations of fans.