Photo credits: Dame Shirley Bassey Instagram.
Monaco has long been a harbor for the world’s most dazzling personalities. Among them resides Dame Shirley Bassey, the Welsh songstress whose voice has echoed through decades, from the gritty docks of Cardiff’s Tiger Bay to the glitzy stages of Monte Carlo. At 88, Shirley Bassey shines as a timeless symbol of elegance, strength and an inspiring mix of success and grace.
As I sit down to unravel the secrets behind her success and happiness, it becomes clear that her Monaco life is not just a chapter of luxury—it’s a testament to a woman who has mastered the art of living on her own terms.
Bassey’s journey to Monaco began with a love affair—not with a person, but with a place. “I came to sing at the Red Cross gala many years ago and fell in love with the place,” she once recalled. That first encounter with the Principality’s charm planted a seed, eventually leading her to make it her home over 25 years ago. Today, she navigates its sun-drenched streets and high-rise skyline with the ease of someone who has found her sanctuary. But what is it about Monaco that sustains a legend like Bassey, and how has it shaped her understanding of success and happiness?
Photo credits: Dame Shirley Bassey Instagram.
Shirley Bassey’s remarkable journey finds its roots in humble beginnings. Born in 1937 as the youngest of seven siblings in a vibrant, working-class, multi-ethnic community, her early years were a world away from the splendor she now embraces. Leaving school at 14, she worked tirelessly in a factory by day while nurturing her extraordinary talent in local bars by night. That boundless passion—“like a burning flame inside of her,” as she so beautifully put it—ignited her path to global stardom. Her voice, a breathtaking gift, became her wings, lifting her from hardship to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas cabarets, New York’s grand stages, and, of course, the iconic James Bond franchise, where she lent her magic to timeless classics like Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker.
Her success, as Shirley herself has shared, is a delicate balance of joy and sacrifice. “You can’t have success without pain and sacrifice,” she once reflected, words that echo through the chapters of her life. At 16, she welcomed her first daughter, Sharon, and with a heart full of love, entrusted her to her sister’s care to chase her dreams. Through two marriages that eventually parted ways and the heartbreaking loss of her second daughter, Samantha, in 1985, Bassey faced life’s storms with unwavering strength. Yet, in every moment, she kept singing, her voice a powerful testament to her spirit, rising above challenges with grace. “I have found happiness in my work but not in my private life,” she once confided, a gentle reminder of the harmony and trade-offs she’s navigated. Through it all, Shirley Bassey remains a luminous soul, her legacy a melody of resilience and kindness that continues to uplift us all.
Monaco, then, a place where Bassey can retreat from the spotlight and reclaim a sense of peace. She lives alone, splitting her time between the Principality and London, and her days are a blend of discipline and indulgence. A self-proclaimed “gym fanatic,” she trains three times a week at her apartment, a habit that kept her walking laps around her pool during lockdown. Her diet is thoughtful but not rigid—she treats herself to ice cream and caviar on weekends, a nod to the luxuries her career has afforded her. It’s a routine that reflects her philosophy: balance is key, but so is enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.
Yet, happiness for Bassey isn’t just about personal comfort—it’s about connection. “My great passion in life is going on holiday with my family,” she has shared, though she laughs that gathering her four grandsons and great-granddaughter is no small feat. Her Monaco life is punctuated by glittering events like the Rose Ball, the Monaco Grand Prix, and charity galas, where she dazzles in floral gowns or sleek suits, defying her age with every step. In 2023, Prince Albert II honored her with the Order of Saint Charles, recognizing her contributions to music and culture—a moment that underscored her integration into Monaco’s fabric.
Photo credits: Dame Shirley Bassey Instagram. “Since 1858, a ceremony has been held in Monaco to honour and recognise merit and services to the State and to the Prince. This year, I was surprised with the news that I was to be awarded with The Orden of Saint Charles, and on Friday, I attended a ceremony to receive my honour from Prince Albert II. I am truly overjoyed and wanted to share this wonderful news with you all!” 20 November 2023.
So, what are the secrets to her enduring success and personal happiness? First, an unshakable belief in her talent. Bassey never doubted her voice. Second, an acceptance of sacrifice—she chose the stage over stability, and though it cost her personally, it cemented her legacy. Third, a willingness to evolve. At 88, she’s still active, auctioning her jewelry for charity in 2024 and captivating audiences with performances like her 2022 BAFTA rendition of Diamonds Are Forever. And finally, Monaco itself—a place that offers her the freedom to be both a recluse and a socialite, a legend and a woman seeking quiet joys.
Photo credits: Dame Shirley Bassey Instagram.
As I reflect on Bassey’s life, I’m struck by her candor about its imperfections. “Maybe I’m not meant to find love,” she once mused. “Maybe I’m meant to be tormented.” Yet, in Monaco, she seems to have found something close to contentment—a delicate dance between the highs of her career and the lows of her personal story. And happiness? It’s in the moments she chooses for herself—whether belting out a Bond theme or savoring a scoop of ice cream by the Mediterranean. This woman embodies something beyond love and sunshine—a radiant spirit for which I feel deeply grateful.
In the end, that might be the greatest secret of all: knowing when to shine, and when to simply be.