For Quang Dung, his mother represented the most sacred aspect of his life. Though she is gone, he feels her presence at every family meal. "I don't believe my mother is in a distant place; rather, she is always by my side, reminding and teaching me about life's beautiful things," Quang Dung shared.

The singer completed the song on his second recording attempt. During his first studio session, he was repeatedly moved by the lyrics: "Is it a strange ray of sunshine/ My mother illuminates my life/ As I've hoped for days past/ A new sun calls spring home." This song, co-written by musicians Viet Anh and Doan Minh Tuan, was dedicated to Quang Dung, conveying the message that a mother's love is an boundless source of affection.

In 2018, after his father passed away, Quang Dung welcomed his mother from Quy Nhon to Ho Chi Minh City, where they lived together in a nearly 500 m2 villa. To ensure his mother could be close to nature, he renovated their living space and added a koi pond. The singer once shared that ever since his mother moved in, he always had someone waiting at the door, reminding him when he returned late from performances or gatherings with friends. Her passing left an irreplaceable void in him. Quang Dung's mother gave birth to 10 children; four have passed away, and the singer is the eighth child in the family.

Quang Dung with his mother during her lifetime. Photo: Provided by artist.

Quang Dung, 51, whose real name is Thai Van Dung, began his notable career in 1997. That year, he competed in the Binh Dinh Television Singing Contest and won second prize. In 1998, the provincial Department of Culture appointed Quang Dung to represent them in the Central - Central Highlands Provinces' Good Voice Competition in Hue, where he won a gold medal. Afterward, he moved to Ho Chi Minh City, performing in tea rooms and becoming known for his deep, soothing voice and elegant style.

The singer married Miss Jennifer Pham in 2007 and had a son, Bao Nam, before their divorce in 2009. He currently lives alone, maintaining a regular performance schedule both domestically and internationally.

Hoang Dung