Yosif Kobzon dies

Yosif Kobzon has died at the age of 81. The artist was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent prolonged treatment abroad and in Russia.

Several weeks ago, Kobzon was hospitalised in an unconscious state at one of Moscow's clinics, where he was connected to life-support machines.

At that point, doctors stated that the artist, more likely than not, would not return home. However, his family refused to believe in such an outcome and did everything in their power to convince the press that the hospitalisation was a routine scheduled check-up and that Kobzon's life was not in danger.

It was announced today that Yosif Kobzon has died.