Even though only a selected group of people received invitations to attend the requiem mass in St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, people could have watched it on large screens outside of the Cathedral.
Among the invited were many artists, such as the opera singer Eva Urbanová and Gott’s long-time friend and colleague Michal David. Furthermore, President Miloš Zeman, Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and President of the Senate Jaroslav Kubera attended the mass.
The requiem mass, served by Archbishop Dominik Duka, began at eleven o’clock. In his speech, Duka stated that Karel Gott contributed to making the Czech Republic famous around the world. He also recalled the singer´s gift of “a beautiful voice, the art of interpretation, and the smile that has filled millions of listeners with joy. He recognized the values that make human life beautiful and rich,” concluded Duka.
Jiřina Bohdalová, an actress and longtime friend of Karel Gott, gave a speech in which she stressed that Gott appreciated his innate talent and did not waste a minute due to his diligence. She also pointed out Gott´s decency, refinement, and gentlemanship, adding that his songs bring people of all generations together.
However, the requiem mass on Saturday was not the only farewell event. On Friday, people had the opportunity to say goodbye to Karel Gott at the Žofín Palace on Slavonic Island in the center of Prague. The singer’s coffin was placed in the large hall of the Žofín Palace. Gott´s fans were coming to honor the memory of Karel Gott from 8 am till midnight. The organizers estimate that the number of people who came to say goodbye to the singer reached 50,000.
Pop singer Karel Gott, who had acute leukemia, died on October 1st.
