Elza Soares: Tributes as Brazilian samba legend dies aged 91 - BBC News

Elza Soares, one of the greatest Brazilian singers of all time, has died aged 91 at her home in Rio de Janeiro, her publicist says.

Often called the queen of Brazilian samba, she released more than 30 albums in a career that spanned six decades.

Her family said she died of natural causes and called her a musical icon who moved people with her voice.

"The beloved and eternal Elza has gone to rest but she will remain in musical history and in our hearts and those of thousands of fans all around the world," their statement said.

"As Elza Soares wanted, she sung until the end.".

She had seven children with her first husband, at whose hands she suffered frequent abuse, but the first two were born prematurely and died young.

Her husband died when she was 21 and she later confessed to stealing food to feed her young family.

She later married the Brazilian footballer Garrincha, with whom she had a son who died aged nine.

The former Brazilian footballer Pelé, a teammate of her late husband, called Soares a "legend of our music, historic, genuine, unique and unparalleled.