Since the day Dmitri Hvorostovsky – the legendary Russian baritone – left the stage forever, people have not seen his wife and children appear before the media. The children who grew up with their talented father have now grown up in silence and secrecy. Life behind the lights, behind the applause, is a life full of turmoil and silence. Fans still wonder: after all the glory and loss, where is that family now, how is it? There are stories that have never been told – until now…

Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the renowned Russian baritone, led a life marked by both artistic triumphs and personal complexities. His family life, in particular, reflects a tapestry of love, challenges, and resilience.

First Marriage: Svetlana Ivanova

In 1989, Hvorostovsky married ballerina Svetlana Ivanova. He adopted her daughter, Maria (born 1986), from a previous relationship. Together, they had twins, Daniel and Alexandra, born in 1996. The family relocated to London in 1994. However, their marriage faced difficulties, leading to their separation in 1999 and eventual divorce in 2001. As part of the divorce settlement, Hvorostovsky agreed to pay £113,000 annually in alimony to Svetlana. Svetlana passed away in 2015 due to complications from meningitis.

Second Marriage: Florence Illi

In 2001, Hvorostovsky married Swiss-born soprano Florence Illi, whom he met during a performance in Geneva. Florence quickly became an integral part of his life, learning Russian and often accompanying him on international tours. The couple had two children: Maxim (born 2003) and Nina (born 2007).

Family After Hvorostovsky’s Passing

Hvorostovsky passed away on November 22, 2017, in London after a two-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. He was 55 years old. He is survived by his wife, Florence, and their two children, Maxim and Nina; his twins, Daniel and Alexandra; and his adopted daughter, Maria.

Since his passing, Florence and the children have maintained a private life, with limited public appearances. They continue to honor Hvorostovsky’s legacy through various tributes and by preserving his contributions to the world of opera.