Singer Khanh Ly, musician Tran Tien reunite

Khanh Ly embraced Tran Tien upon their reunion at Trinh Cong Son's former residence, reminiscing about the musician.

Khanh Ly with saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan and his wife, Kieu Dam Linh. On Trinh Cong Son's final days, Tran Manh Tuan was among those who stayed by his bedside, having rented a room just a few doors from Son's house.

Singer Khanh Ly and musician Tran Tien recently shared an emotional reunion at the former residence of late musician Trinh Cong Son in TP HCM on 24/2, commemorating the 25th anniversary of his passing. The reunion, kept a secret by Son's family, was a surprise for Khanh Ly, fostering a heartfelt atmosphere of shared memories and nostalgia.

From right: singer Trinh Vinh Trinh, the musician's sister; Khanh Ly; Trinh Cong Son's nephew, singer The Thien; and Quang Thanh, the diva's companion.

Bich Nga, Tran Tien's wife, extended her well wishes to Khanh Ly, expressing joy at her recovery following a stroke in early 2025. The two artists recalled their initial meeting in 1997 during a party at Trinh Cong Son's home. Despite infrequent encounters over the years, their bond remained through stories about Son. The late musician often shared anecdotes with Tran Tien about his time with Khanh Ly in the 1970s, when she managed a teahouse and discreetly placed money in his wallet.

Khanh Ly met with ao dai designer Trinh Hoang Dieu, Trinh Cong Son's younger sister. The diva noted that despite limited opportunities to meet over the years, she has always maintained a connection with the musician's family members.

Singer Tan Son (left), a member of the Du Ca group, often performs at music nights dedicated to Trinh Cong Son.

Khanh Ly beside Trinh Cong Son's first motorcycle, which he rode from the late 1970s. Initially, the musician did not know how to ride and had to ask his younger brother for instructions. Later, the motorcycle became one of the family's most cherished mementos.

Singer Khanh Ly cried while visiting Trinh Cong Son's house after 25 years. Video: Mai Nhat - Tuan Viet

On the same day, Khanh Ly visited the statue of Our Lady of Peace at Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon, carrying her first career portrait book. Published by Women's Publishing House, the new book features anecdotes about Trinh Cong Son and previously untold stories between Khanh Ly and her father.

Born Nguyen Thi Le Mai, Khanh Ly is 81 years old. She debuted on stage in 1959 and became a professional singer in 1962 at the age of 17. Khanh Ly first met Trinh Cong Son in 1964 while performing in Da Lat. They reconnected in Saigon in 1967, beginning one of Vietnamese music history's most renowned artistic collaborations.

After 1975, Khanh Ly and her family relocated to the US. In 2022, she returned to Vietnam for her farewell tour, Nhu Mot Loi Chia Tay, which included a series of concerts in TP HCM, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Ha Noi, and Da Nang.