Kessler twins die together at 89 after choosing medical aid in Germany

The Kessler twins — Alice and Ellen — died together on Nov. 17, 2025. Both sisters turned 89 years old earlier that year. They chose medical aid in dying at their home near Munich, Germany. The identical twins had vowed to leave this world together, just as they lived.

Legendary Entertainment Career Ended Sunday

The Kessler twins rose to stardom across Europe during the 1950s and 1960s. They started performing as children — joining Leipzig Opera‘s ballet program at age 11. In 1952, at age 16, the sisters escaped East Germany using a visitor’s visa.

The duo relocated to Düsseldorf and made their professional debut at the Palladium. Between 1955 and 1960, they performed nightly at The Lido in Paris. Standing at 1.78 meters (nearly 5′10″) with long blonde hair, they became instant sensations. They even met Elvis Presley on leave from the Army on June 17, 1959.

“Alice and Ellen Kessler left together, just as they lived: inseparable.”

European Television Icons Reached International Stardom

In 1962, the twins moved to Rome and became superstars. They appeared regularly on RAI‘s variety show Studio Uno from 1961-1966. Italian audiences nicknamed them the “legs of the nation” — the sisters embodied glamour and elegance across the postwar era. At age 40, they graced the cover of Italian Playboy — that issue became the fastest-selling ever in Italy.

They represented West Germany at the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest with “Heute Abend wollen wir tanzen geh’n” (“Tonight we want to go dancing”). They finished in 8th place. The twins conquered American television too, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Red Skelton Hour. They danced in the 1963 biblical epic Sodom and Gomorrah and appeared on the Life Magazine cover that same year.

Twin Sisters’ Shared Legacy and Final Choice

The Kessler twins performed alongside entertainment legends including Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, and Harry Belafonte. They appeared in numerous films and on variety shows spanning three decades. Both the German and Italian governments awarded them honors for promoting cultural cooperation through their performances.

In April 2024, Alice and Ellen told German newspaper Bild they wanted their ashes buried together. They never married, choosing instead to remain inseparable throughout their entire adult lives. They moved back to Germany in 1986, settling in Grünwald near Munich, Bavaria. Their mother Elsa and beloved dog Yello will rest alongside them in a single urn.

Medical Aid in Dying Sparks Global Conversation

Germany legalized medical aid in dying in 2019. It differs from euthanasia — patients themselves administer prescribed drugs. Police were notified after the twins completed the procedure. According to Bild, the sisters “no longer wanted to live.” They had reportedly already decided this end-of-life choice beforehand.

The Kessler twins‘ decision raises important conversations about dignity and autonomy. Their story resonates with those advocating for compassionate end-of-life options. The sisters maintained control over their final chapter. They left this world together — a fitting conclusion to 89 remarkable years of shared existence and artistry.

Will the Legacy of Entertainment’s Perfect Pair Ever Be Matched?

The Kessler twins created something rare in show business — perfect synchronization on stage. Their dancing was flawless. Their presence commanded rooms. They entertained millions across multiple continents and generations. They received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1987. In 2006, they became honorary citizens of Grimma, their birthplace region. They won the Bavarian Order of Merit in 2025 — their final year alive.

Will any twin performers ever achieve such unified stardom again? The Kessler twins proved that perfect artistic partnership exists. They showed that when two lives move in harmony, magic happens. Their eight decades of performances left an indelible imprint on European culture. Now, reunited in a single urn, they rest as they always lived: together forever.

Sources

• People.com — “Twin Sisters Choose to End Their Lives Together Through Medical Aid in Dying”
• Wikipedia — Comprehensive Kessler Twins biographical article with career timeline
• German Broadcasting Archives — Television performance records and historical documentation

Daniel Harris

Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.