Composer Ralph Siegel (80) has been in an induced coma since the end of last week. Severe pneumonia had weakened the musician so significantly that doctors decided to take this step. But the family is clinging to an encouraging sign: "He is still in an induced coma, but he reacts when we play his favorite music or when I give him a kiss", reports wife Laura (43) to the "Bild" newspaper. Cautiously optimistic, she adds: "We all really hope very much that Ralph will pull through this time too."
Music as a Bridge to Deep Sleep
To reach Siegel's brain, Laura relies primarily on her husband's greatest hits. At his bedside, "Ein bisschen Frieden" (1982) is playing, among others. He reacts particularly strongly to one title: "Stay Humble", a reworking of his Dschinghis Khan classic "Moskau" (1979). The song is currently accompanying Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (25) during the World Cup. Siegel is said to be a big fan of the athlete.
The Family Keeps Vigil
The composer's youngest daughter, Alana Siegel (29), also provides encouragement: "My dad is a fighter. I know he will make it because I don't know anyone who is as strong as he is."
Siegel's oldest daughter Giulia (51) has also already been at the hospital bedside. "The whole family is together and is focused entirely on our father", she posted on Instagram two days ago after the news became known. She continued: "He is currently in an induced coma, but can already breathe independently. We look to the coming days with confidence".
Waking Up in Sight
What the near future should bring was summarized by wife Laura: "In two days, the doctors hope, they want to bring Ralph back from the coma." Sedatives and sleeping medication are to be gradually reduced and thus the waking process initiated.
Ralph Siegel has been struggling with health issues for some time. Among other things, he suffers from the nerve disease polyneuropathy, as he told the tabloid in 2022. Four times (2007, 2010, 2023 and 2024) he was also able to defeat cancer. The current pneumonia struck the composer at his house in Spain, where he was staying with his wife. When the symptoms appeared, the couple cut the trip short. Laura had her husband taken to a Munich hospital, where he has been in the intensive care unit ever since.
