“This morning Jan left life in peace and full of love,” the report said. “He chose to cremate the body silently, without a funeral.”

Root announced in August 2021 that he had metastatic cancer. This month, the musician announced that he had only a few weeks to live, and therefore had to cancel all of his shows. “I hope to make it a special time with my family and I thank everyone for all the warmth, support and applause over the past decades. I’m not out of here yet, but let me tell you: it’s been a wonderful life.”

open about disease

The musician was very frank about his illness. Root also appeared on TV when he participated for the second time in De Slimste Mens in January 2022. Very exceptionally, KRO-NCRV said yes to the second participation because it was one of his last wishes. In 2012, Root lost the final, and ten years later he was knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Root is a book and song writer who has translated lyrics for musicals such as Hello, Dolly! The Jersey Boys. He also wrote the lyrics for the Dutch version of the rock opera Tommy by The Who. His farewell album IPV Cards was released earlier this month.

greeting

Rott died on the day he was honored with a special broadcast on NPO Radio 5. In Ein Rotafond as the episode is called, friends and colleagues talk about him and his work is done. Guests include singer Marjoline Meyers, with whom Jan Rot formed the duo An + Jan for many years, pianist Jacob Klassie, Rot’s pianist Bill van Dijk and with whom Rot appeared in the De Palingvissers musical. Astrid de Jong offers broadcasts.