What Happened to The Singing Nun? How did The Singing Nun Die?
by Janani
Updated May 13, 2023
Who was The Real Singing Nun?
Jeannine Deckers was famously known as "The Singing Nun." Jeannine Deckers, born on October 17, 1933, and known by her stage name Sœur Sourire (French for 'Smiling Sister'), was a Belgian singer-songwriter and member of the Dominican Order in Belgium, where she went by the name Sister Luc Gabriel.
In English-speaking countries, she was often referred to as "The Singing Nun." She achieved worldwide fame in 1963 with the release of the Belgian-French song "Dominique," which reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and other music charts.
What Happened to The Singing Nun?
On March 29, 1985, "The Singing Nun" (Jeannine Deckers, also known as Sœur Sourire) and her lifelong partner, Annie Pécher, tragically ended their lives by intentionally overdosing on barbiturates and alcohol. In a heartbreaking suicide note, they expressed that despite their decision, they had not abandoned their faith.
They also stated their desire to be buried together, requesting the funeral rites of the Catholic Church. It was a poignant and sorrowful end to their lives, leaving behind a legacy of music, struggle, and a complex journey of faith.
How Did The Singing Nun Die?
Jeannine Deckers, famously known as The Singing Nun, encountered significant challenges related to her recording contract, which resulted in financial struggles and ultimately pushed her into a state of poverty. Alongside these hardships, she also experienced a crisis of faith, prompting her to make the difficult decision to leave her religious order despite maintaining her Catholic beliefs.
Sadly, the story takes a tragic turn as Jeannine Deckers and her lifelong partner, Annie Pécher, end their lives through suicide. Their untimely deaths cast a somber shadow over the struggles they faced and the complex journey of faith that Jeannine had embarked upon.
How Much Money Did The Singing Nun Make?
After achieving global fame in 1963 with her chart-topping song "Dominique," the Belgian former novitiate discloses that she selflessly donated all her earnings and currently finds herself burdened with debt. Despite earning a substantial sum of over $100,000 for her Dominican convent in Fichermont, along with a coveted gold record, she now confronts grave tax issues.
She expresses deep concern over the intention of the Belgian tax authorities to auction her apartment, which may ultimately lead to legal repercussions, including the possibility of imprisonment—an outcome she finds far from humorous.
At her young age, during her time in the convent, Sister Luc Gabriel engaged in creative pursuits, composing and singing her own songs. The Singing Nun’s musical talent captivated not only her fellow nuns but also the visitors who were touched by her performances.
Impressed by her abilities, Sister Luc Gabriel's religious superiors saw the potential and encouraged her to create an album. The purpose of this album was to offer a means for visitors and retreatants at the convent to acquire and enjoy her music.
The Singing Nun Cause of Death
The Singing Nun died of suicide. In 1985, a famous source wrote, The Singing Nun of the 1960s, who had become world-famous with her hit "Dominique," tragically took her own life, as confirmed by the police. Over the weekend, authorities discovered the lifeless bodies of Jeanine Deckers and an unidentified female companion following a call from concerned neighbors residing near their shared residence. According to an unnamed police officer cited by The Associated Press, the cause of death for both women was determined to be a massive overdose of sedatives.
In a letter left behind by the two individuals, they explained their motives for committing suicide and requested privacy, as disclosed by the officer. Close acquaintances revealed that the duo had been grappling with severe depression for a considerable period, partially attributed to financial difficulties faced by a children's institution they had been involved with, as stated in the report.
What Happened to The Singing Nun - FAQs
Jeannine Deckers, also known as Sœur Sourire (French for 'Smiling Sister'), was famously known as "The Singing Nun." She was a Belgian singer-songwriter and a member of the Dominican Order in Belgium, where she went by the name Sister Luc Gabriel. Jeannine achieved worldwide fame in 1963 with the release of the Belgian-French song "Dominique," which topped the charts.
On March 29, 1985, Jeannine Deckers, known as "The Singing Nun," and her lifelong partner, Annie Pécher, tragically took their own lives by intentionally overdosing on barbiturates and alcohol. In a poignant suicide note, they expressed that their faith remained intact and requested a Catholic burial.
Jeannine Deckers, known as The Singing Nun, faced financial struggles and a crisis of faith. Ultimately, she and her partner, Annie Pécher, chose to end their lives through suicide. They intentionally overdosed on barbiturates and alcohol, leaving behind a tragic story of their struggles and faith journey.
Despite earning over $100,000 for her Dominican convent in Fichermont and receiving a gold record, Jeannine Deckers selflessly donated all her earnings, leaving her burdened with debt. She encountered serious tax problems and expressed concern over the possible sale of her apartment by Belgian tax authorities.
During her time in the convent, Sister Luc Gabriel, also known as The Singing Nun, engaged in creative endeavors. She composed and performed her own songs, which received widespread appreciation from her fellow nuns and visitors. Recognizing her talent, her religious superiors encouraged her to record an album for visitors and retreatants at the convent.
The Singing Nun, Jeannine Deckers, died by suicide. In 1985, her lifeless body, along with that of an unidentified female companion, was discovered by authorities after receiving a call from concerned neighbors. The cause of death for both women was determined to be a massive overdose of sedatives. A letter left behind by the two explained their reasons for their tragic decision, and they requested privacy during this difficult time. Their struggles with depression, including financial difficulties related to a children's institution, were factors mentioned by acquaintances.