The Kessler twins, who represented Germany at Eurovision 1959 and became international icons, died together at the age of 89 after choosing to end their lives through joint assisted dying.
The twins Ellen Kessler and Alice Kessler, who earned international fame as singers, dancers and actresses – and as Germany’s representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 1959 — have passed away. The two died at the age of 89 in Grünwald, near Munich, through a pre-arranged assisted death.
According to a statement by the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) to Bavarian Radio, the twins had planned their own deaths over a long period of time:
“The Kessler twins have been involved with assisted death for a long time”.
It was also stated that the twins had been members of the organization for years and had personally chosen the date of their death. A lawyer and a doctor held preparatory conversations with them and later arrived at the sisters’ home to accompany them through the process.
Career, Eurovision, and Stardom
Alice and Ellen Kessler were born on August 20th, 1936, in the town of Nerchau in Saxony, Germany. They began dancing in childhood under the strict training of their father. Their early years were difficult — their two older brothers died young, and their father struggled with alcoholism and was physically abusive toward them, their mother and brother.
The twins began their careers as dancers during the 1950s and made their first film appearance in 1955. In 1958 they began recording music.
Under the name “Kessler Twins”, they were internally selected to represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest 1959 in Cannes, France, becoming the first duo ever sent by Germany. There they performed the song “Heute Abend wollen wir tanzen geh’n” (in English: “Tonight we wanna go dancing”), finishing in 8th place. Despite their young age (22), the twins were already considered highly experienced performers, and their act featured synchronized movements — something unusual in early Eurovision editions, where most performances were static.
Their unique appearance helped establish their reputation across Europe and became one of the defining moments of the early stages of their international career. In the United States, France and Italy they achieved exceptional success, and throughout their long career they performed alongside major entertainment figures, including Frank Sinatra.
At age 40, the twins agreed to appear on the cover of the Italian edition of Playboy, which became the fastest-selling Playboy issue in Italy up to that time. Over the years, they received honors from both the German and Italian governments for their contribution to promoting cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Forever Together
In recent years, the sisters lived side by side in adjoining homes, just as they had lived their entire lives. This week, at the age of 89, they also departed the world together, after publicly expressing their wish to die on the same day.
In an interview last year, the sisters said they wanted:
“to ‘go away’ together on the same day”.
They added:
“The idea that one of us might get it first is very hard to bear”.
In another interview, Ellen shared that their wish was for their ashes to be kept together and interred alongside their mother, Elsa.
The two leave behind a legacy that will undoubtedly be remembered long after their passing. Thanks to their performances, their cultural influence, and their extraordinary life story, it is safe to say that even after their deaths, the sisters will be remembered exactly as they lived – together.
Germany at Eurovision 2025:
“Baller” (in English: “Shooter”) is the title of the song performed by duo Abor & Tynna, who represented Germany at the Eurovision 2025. The pair finished 15th in the Grand Final with a total of 151 points. The public televote ranked them 11th, while the professional juries placed them 13th.
This marks the second consecutive year in which Germany has achieved a relatively successful Eurovision result, avoiding the bottom of the scoreboard. Last year, singer Isaak secured 12th place in the Grand Final with his song “Always on the Run”.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Germany’s 69th participation in Eurovision. Germany joined the competition in 1956, was one of the seven founding countries, and has won twice over the years. Germany’s last victory was in Eurovision 2010 with the song “Satellite” performed by singer Lena Meyer-Landrut.
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