Hugues Aufray, the iconic French singer known for his 1960s hit 'Santiano', has opened up about his anxiety regarding his future without his much younger wife, Murielle. At 97 years old, Aufray shared these reflections in an interview with *Soir Mag* on November 10, 2026. Despite being one of the oldest active singers in France, he shows no signs of retiring, attributing his vitality partly to his enduring love life with Murielle, whom he describes as his partner for over 30 years. [1]
The couple's love story began in 1995 during a train journey between Geneva and Paris. Aufray recalled seeing Murielle, then 21, traveling with her mother. He noted her youthful features, jokingly referring to her as 'Patoche' due to her long legs. The couple experienced an immediate connection, described by the singer as 'love at first sight', despite the significant 45-year age gap. At the time of their meeting, Aufray was 66 and navigating a period marked by heavy family responsibilities and a sense of isolation. They maintained their relationship discreetly for decades before finally marrying in 2023, a union Aufray described as an act of recognition and gratitude for Murielle’s three decades of support. [1]
Aufray’s marital history adds complexity to his current union. He was previously married to Hélène Faure, with whom he had two daughters, Marie and Charlotte. He remained married to Faure until her death, adhering to a personal vow never to divorce, a stance formed after suffering from his parents' separation during his childhood. Aufray stated that he felt liberated from this oath only upon Faure's passing, emphasizing that she had done him no wrong. He also clarified financial arrangements, noting that he left all his assets to his children from his first marriage, leaving him with nothing of his own, a fact that underscores Murielle’s patience and the non-material nature of their bond. [1]
Despite his happiness, Aufray confronts the reality of mortality, which causes him genuine distress. He expressed fear that he will die before Murielle, acknowledging that this imbalance worries him. 'She is young and beautiful, much younger since she is 45 years my junior. It worries me a bit, perhaps because I will have to leave her one day,' he confessed. For Aufray, love is defined by sharing this inevitable reality. Recently, the singer has also had to deal with a home-jacking incident, further highlighting his vulnerability as a nonagenarian. His reflections serve as both a testament to a lasting romance and a candid look at the anxieties of extreme longevity and age disparity in relationships. [1]
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