Danny K has thanked those who have reached out to support his family following the death of his wife, Lisa Koppel.
Lisa died following a battle with colorectal cancer on Sunday, August 9. She was 41 years old.
Born Lisa Gundelfinger, she grew up in Johannesburg in a family well known in legal circles. Her father, Billy Gundelfinger, is one of South Africa's leading criminal defence and divorce attorneys. Inspired by the work that she saw growing up, Lisa eventually chose the legal profession herself.
Before stepping into law, she worked as a fashion model. She later completed a Bachelor of Laws degree through the University of South Africa before being admitted as an advocate of the High Court in 2010. After several years in practice, she joined her father's law firm, where she specialised in family and criminal law.
Beyond the courtroom, she also ventured into business and was involved with the children's footwear brand Running Bear Moccasins.
In 2012, she married Danny K, whose real name is Daniel Koppel, in Somerset West. While her husband remained one of South Africa's most recognisable entertainers, the couple intentionally kept their family life away from public attention.
Together they raised three children who remained at the centre of Lisa's world.
Sharing a post following her passing, Danny K said Lisa chose to keep her illness private.
"She never wanted pity, attention or sympathy. Above all, she wanted to protect our children and preserve their happiness and innocence for as long as possible," he said.
"Lisa’s illness will never define her. She will be remembered for the way she lived and loved: with kindness, humility, courage and an unwavering devotion to the people who meant everything to her," he added.
The singer and songwriter took to social media to social media again thanking fans, saying he has been inundated with messages since his wife’s passing.
“There have been more messages than I could possibly respond to individually, but please know how deeply your support has been felt,” he shared.
Danny, said his family has been shattered by Lisa’s death.
“This extraordinary outpouring has carried us and made us feel less alone through this unimaginably difficult chapter,” he said.
He added that, in time, the family will honour Lisa’s life and legacy by raising awareness and supporting others facing the disease and the families beside them.
IOL