Meet Fairuz’s Kids: Hali Rahbani, Ziad Rahbani, Rima Rahbani, and Layal Rahbani

Fairuz, born Nouhad Wadie Haddad on November 21, 1934, in Beirut, Lebanon, is one of the most celebrated singers in the history of Arab music.

Known as “The Bird of the East” and “The Cedar of Lebanon,” her voice has shaped the cultural identity of the Arab world for decades, touching millions with songs that blend tradition, emotion, and timeless melodies.

She was born into a Syriac Orthodox Christian family of Arab heritage. Her father, Wadie Haddad, worked as a typesetter, while her mother, Lisa Bustani, was a homemaker.

Growing up in Beirut’s Zokak el-Blat district in modest circumstances, she shared her childhood with her siblings Huda Wadi Haddad, Amal Wadi Haddad, and Joseph Wadi Haddad. Her musical journey began early when her talent was discovered during a school performance.

In 1947, she joined the Lebanese Conservatory, where she trained under Mohammed Flayfel and later performed on Lebanese Radio. It was radio director Halim El Roumi who suggested her stage name, Fairuz, meaning “turquoise” in Arabic.

Her career blossomed in the 1950s through her groundbreaking collaborations with the Rahbani Brothers, Assi Rahbani and Mansour Rahbani. Their compositions, combined with her enchanting voice, created a new wave of Lebanese and Arab music that continues to inspire generations.

Fairuz married composer Assi Rahbani on July 14, 1955, and their partnership lasted until he died in 1986. Together they shared a life of love, music, and family, raising four children: Ziad, a renowned musician who passed away in 2025; Hali, who has lived with severe disabilities; Layal, a talented composer who died in 1988; and Rima, a photographer and director. Fairuz has always kept her personal life private, with no records of other marriages or relationships.

Today, at 90 years old, Fairuz remains a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond Lebanon. Her life is marked not only by musical achievements but also by resilience, faith, and dedication to her family.

Hali Rahbani

Born in 1958, Hali Rahbani is Fairuz and Assi’s second child. Tragically, Hali was struck by meningitis in early childhood, resulting in severe physical and mental disabilities that left him unable to speak, hear, or walk.

Fairuz, known for her private and protective nature, chose to care for Hali at home rather than place him in an institution, a decision that reflects her deep maternal devotion.

Despite his challenges, Hali remains a central figure in Fairuz’s life, and she continues to care for him alongside her daughter Rima. Little is known publicly about Hali due to Fairuz’s guarded approach to her personal life, but his presence underscores the family’s strength in facing adversity.

Ziad Rahbani

Ziad Rahbani (1956–2025) was the eldest of Fairuz and Assi’s children and a towering figure in Lebanese arts. A composer, pianist, playwright, and political commentator, Ziad inherited his parents’ musical genius but carved his own path with a bold, innovative style.

At just 17, he stepped into the spotlight during his father’s recovery from a 1972 brain hemorrhage, composing the song “Saalouni n’Nass” (“The People Asked Me”) for Fairuz, a heartfelt tribute to Assi’s absence.

This marked the beginning of Ziad’s prolific career, which included albums like Houdou Nisbi and Ana Moush Kafer, as well as satirical plays like Film Amriki Tawil, which critiqued Lebanon’s sectarian tensions during the Civil War (1975–1990).

Ziad’s work diverged from the nostalgic, folkloric style of his parents, embracing jazz, funk, and modern sounds while addressing political and social issues. A self-proclaimed communist and advocate for Palestinian rights, he was a voice for the marginalized, earning a devoted following.

His personal life, including a publicized divorce from Dalal Karam, added complexity to his public persona. Ziad’s death in July 2025 at age 69, following a heart attack, prompted an outpouring of grief, with Fairuz making a rare public appearance at his funeral.

Rima Rahbani

Born in 1965, Rima Rahbani is the youngest of Fairuz’s children and a multifaceted artist in her own right. A photographer and film director, Rima has played a significant role in preserving and promoting her mother’s legacy.

She films and produces Fairuz’s concerts, ensuring the family’s artistic heritage is captured with care. In 2017, Rima produced Fairuz’s album Bebalee, releasing the single “Lameen,” a tribute to Assi Rahbani adapted from a French song.

Rima’s work extends to sharing glimpses of Fairuz’s life on social media, offering fans rare insights into the reclusive singer’s world.

Rima’s close bond with her mother is evident, as she accompanied Fairuz to Ziad’s funeral in 2025 and continues to live with her, caring for both Fairuz and Hali. While less in the public eye than Ziad, Rima’s contributions as a writer, director, and caretaker highlight her quiet yet essential role in the Rahbani family.

Layal Rahbani

Layal Rahbani, born in 1960, was a composer with immense promise, but her life was tragically brief. She passed away in 1988 at age 28, with sources citing conflicting causes: a stroke or a brain hemorrhage, though one report controversially suggested a suicidal drug overdose.

Layal’s death was a profound loss for Fairuz, compounding the grief of Assi’s passing in 1986. Little is documented about Layal’s musical contributions, but her potential as a composer hinted at the family’s creative depth.

Her memory remains cherished, as seen in the annual memorial masses attended by Fairuz, Ziad, Hali, and Rima, such as the one in 2022.