Lenny Kuhr, the Dutch singer who shared a victory at the Eurovision Song Contest, is retiring from music and, in a surprising turn, immigrating to Israel. The announcement, made just days after confirming final concert dates, comes amid concerns over a growing climate of antisemitism in the Netherlands and follows health challenges faced by her husband, Rob Frank.
Kuhr, , initially announced her retirement after nearly six decades in the music industry. Her final performances, scheduled through , quickly sold out, prompting the addition of extra concerts to allow fans a final opportunity to see her perform. However, the decision to retire was quickly followed by the revelation of her plans to leave the Netherlands altogether.
“The atmosphere toward Jews in the Netherlands is no longer good,” Kuhr explained in a recent interview. This sentiment, coupled with her husband’s declining health – Frank has been instrumental in managing her career, handling bookings, and providing logistical support for years – ultimately led to the decision to relocate to Israel. Kuhr emphasized that despite remaining vocally capable and enjoying continued success with her shows, she felt compelled to act.
The announcement of her immigration has sparked considerable discussion in the Dutch media. Kuhr’s long and celebrated career has made her a beloved figure, and her decision to leave the country is being widely interpreted as a response to increasing anxieties within the Jewish community.
Kuhr rose to international prominence with “De troubadour,” the song that secured one of four joint victories at the Eurovision Song Contest in Madrid. The contest famously resulted in a four-way tie between Kuhr (Netherlands), Lulu (United Kingdom), Salomé (Spain), and Frida Boccara (France). Following her Eurovision success, she released over 20 albums and remained a visible presence in the Dutch music scene for decades.
More recently, Kuhr participated in the interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest, which was hosted in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This appearance demonstrated her enduring connection to the competition and her continued relevance within the European music landscape.
The news of Kuhr’s retirement and relocation comes at a time of heightened sensitivity surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest. The contest has increasingly become a platform for political expression, and concerns about antisemitism and other forms of discrimination have been raised in recent years.
While Kuhr’s departure is undoubtedly a loss for the Dutch music industry, she expressed gratitude for her long career and the opportunity to share her music with audiences both in the Netherlands and abroad. She specifically acknowledged the support of her husband, Rob Frank, and her musicians, Freek and Frans, emphasizing the collaborative nature of her work.
Kuhr’s decision to immigrate to Israel marks a significant chapter in her life, driven by a combination of personal and political factors. Her move underscores the growing concerns about antisemitism in Europe and the desire for safety and security within the Jewish community. As she prepares for her final performances and a new life in Israel, Lenny Kuhr leaves behind a legacy as one of the Netherlands’ most beloved and enduring musical artists.
The final performances of “LICHT” are scheduled to conclude in , providing a dignified farewell for Kuhr, her husband, and her musical collaborators.
