Returning from the US this spring, singer Khanh Ly visited musician Trinh Cong Son's former home at alley 47C Pham Ngoc Thach, in what was formerly District 3, TP HCM. She reunited with Trinh Vinh Trinh, the late musician's sister, and other family members after many years. Khanh Ly shared that her last visit to this residence was in 2001, just months before Trinh Cong Son's passing.

The singer returned to Trinh Cong Son's home after 25 years, sharing thoughts by his portrait statue. *Video: Tuan Viet - Mai Nhat*

Khanh Ly paused silently before the portrait of her former "musical soulmate", her eyes welling up with emotion. She asked Trinh Vinh Trinh to place her new publication, *Hat cung nguon coi*, on the altar. On its first page, she inscribed a dedication to the musician: "Anh Son, I send you everything. Khanh Ly".

Khanh Ly stated that her priority during this visit to Vietnam is activities dedicated to Trinh Cong Son's music, as she wishes to reconnect with her audience, fearing "there will be no more opportunities". She hopes to "join hands" with the musician's family, embodying Trinh Cong Son's message of peace for future generations.

She will participate in a series of art activities organized by the musician's relatives. On 28/2, Trinh Cong Son's 87th birthday, she and Trinh Vinh Trinh will attend a discussion themed *Chieu tren que huong toi* at the park named after him in Hue. The program will also introduce the Trinh Cong Son museum project, a long-cherished aspiration of the family. This museum is expected to feature a dedicated area recreating his musical journey with Khanh Ly, from their initial meeting in Da Lat to their emergence as wandering singers, achieving fame with the *Da Vang* love songs.

Singer Khanh Ly reunited with saxophone artist Tran Manh Tuan on the morning of 24/2 at Trinh Cong Son's home. *Photo: Mai Nhat*

Khanh Ly also plans to release *Hat cung nguon coi*, her first biographical book, on 6/3 in Hanoi. Published by Women's Publishing House, this new work includes anecdotes about Trinh Cong Son, alongside never-before-told stories about Khanh Ly and her father. A documentary film about her life, directed and written by singer Quang Thanh, her longtime companion, will be released concurrently with the book.

Khanh Ly is driven to complete these heartfelt projects, citing concerns that her advanced age may limit future opportunities. Early last year, she suffered a stroke and was hospitalized in California, US. Timely emergency care allowed her to gradually resume normal activities, with doctors advising a gentle lifestyle and a bland diet. Following her family's insistence that "health is the top priority", Khanh Ly has stopped accepting shows and reduced her singing engagements to prevent a recurrence of high blood pressure.

The singer, whose real name is Nguyen Thi Le Mai, is 81 years old, born on 6/3/1945. She debuted on stage in 1959 and became a professional singer in 1962 at the age of 17. Khanh Ly first encountered Trinh Cong Son in 1964, while performing in Da Lat. In 1967, they reconnected in Saigon, marking the beginning of one of the most celebrated artistic collaborations in Vietnamese music history.

After 1975, Khanh Ly and her family settled in the US. In late 9/2012, she returned to Vietnam for performances. In 2022, she embarked on her career's farewell tour, *Nhu mot loi chia tay*, featuring a series of concerts across TP HCM, Da Lat (Lam Dong), Nha Trang, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Musician Trinh Cong Son, born in 1939, passed away on 1/4/2001. He composed over 600 songs, with approximately 236 gaining widespread popularity. His music is deeply philosophical, humanistic, heartfelt, and passionate, conveying profound love for people, his Vietnamese homeland, and celebrating peace. Many artists are closely associated with his work, including: Khanh Ly, Tuan Ngoc, Hong Nhung, Cam Van, Hong Hanh, and Quang Dung, with Khanh Ly recognized as the iconic voice.

*Mai Nhat - Tuan Viet*