Kessler Twins Cause of Death: (photo credit: New York post)

Kessler twins cause of death 2025: Assisted suicide Nov 17—health issues (stroke, heart), lifelong pact, legal context Germany & global tributes to Alice/Ellen.

On November 17, 2025, the world lost one of its last living links to post-war glamour when identical twins Alice and Ellen Kessler—the legendary "Kessler Twins"—died together at age 89 in their Grünwald home near Munich. The Kessler twins cause of death was medically assisted suicide (Freitod mit ärztlicher Hilfe), a legal option in Germany since 2020, carried out jointly after years of declining health and an unbreakable pact never to live without each other. This definitive guide—updated November 2025—details their health struggles, the exact circumstances of their deaths, legal context, family statements, and global reaction, serving as the most complete resource on this profoundly moving end to an iconic duo.

Official Cause of Death: Medically Assisted Suicide on November 17, 2025

Both Alice and Ellen Kessler died by self-administered lethal medication in the presence of a physician and lawyer on November 17, 2025, at their shared residence in Grünwald, Bavaria.

Key Facts from Police and Family

• Time of death: Approximately 3:00 p.m. local time.
• Method: Oral ingestion of prescribed barbiturates (standard German protocol).
• No criminal investigation: Bavarian police ruled out foul play; deaths classified as legal assisted suicide.
• Farewell note: "See you on Cloud 7" (a reference to their 1950s hit "Wenn die Kessler-Zwillinge tanzen").

The twins were long-time members of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Humanes Sterben (DGHS), Germany’s largest right-to-die organization, and had prepared legally for years.

Health Issues That Led to Their Decision

While neither twin suffered a single terminal illness, cumulative age-related decline made continued life unbearable.

Documented Conditions (2024–2025)

Ellen Kessler:

• Stroke (exact date undisclosed, post-2023).
• Heart problems requiring pacemaker.
• Fluid retention and depression from medication side effects.

Both Twins:

• Loss of taste and smell (possibly post-COVID or age-related).
• General frailty at 89.
• Sensory decline and mobility issues.
• Fear of institutionalization or separation.

Close friend Carolin Reiber stated: "Ellen was no longer well after her stroke… they didn’t want one to go first."

The Lifelong Pact: "Together Forever"

The twins repeatedly said separation was unthinkable.

Quotes Over the Years

• 2024 interview: "The idea that one of us goes first is very difficult to bear."
• Earlier: "We have always done everything together—and we will leave together."

Their will (updated 2024) specified ashes in one urn with mother Elsa and dog Yello—symbolizing eternal unity.

Legal Framework: Assisted Dying in Germany 2025

Germany permits assisted suicide but not active euthanasia.

Current Law (Post-2020 BVerfG Ruling)

• Individuals have constitutional right to self-determined death.
• Physicians may prescribe lethal drugs if patient is capable of informed consent.
• No residency requirement (unlike Switzerland).
• DGHS and other organizations provide guidance (not profit from procedure).

The Kessler case reignited debate: proponents praise autonomy; critics fear "normalization" of suicide.

For official info, see DGHS Germany.

Timeline of Final Days and Public Revelation

No funeral planned—private cremation and scattering per will.

Global Reaction and Tributes in 2025

Shock and grief swept Europe and beyond.

Notable Responses

• RAI (Italy): "Our national legs are gone."
• Eurovision: Honored their 1959 performance.
• German Chancellor: "An era ends."
• Fans: Thousands of tributes on social media with #KesslerTwinsForever.

Italian President Mattarella sent condolences—reflecting their adopted homeland status.

Legacy of the Kessler Twins Beyond Their Death

From fleeing East Germany in 1952 to dazzling Sinatra and Presley, Alice and Ellen lived defiantly free—never marrying, never separating, and ultimately choosing when to exit.

Their assisted suicide spotlighted dignified dying debates while cementing their image as women who controlled every step—on stage and in life.

Conclusion: A Final Curtain on Their Terms

The Kessler twins cause of death—medically assisted suicide on November 17, 2025—was not defeat, but the ultimate expression of their lifelong mantra: together forever. Facing strokes, heart issues, and frailty at 89, they chose dignity over decline, leaving a legacy of glamour, independence, and unbreakable sisterhood.

Honor them—watch their classics on RAI Play or YouTube, or learn about end-of-life choices at DGHS. What does their story mean to you? Share in the comments, tag a retro fan, and let's celebrate two lives lived brilliantly. The spotlight fades—but the Kessler Twins shine on.