On the anniversary of their wedding, People's Artist of Ukraine Sofia Rotaru remembered her late husband, the musician Anatoly Evdokimenko. On September 22, 1968, the couple officially became spouses, and this year marks exactly 58 years since their marriage. On social media, the singer published a rare black-and-white archive photo in which the newlyweds pose together: Rotaru in a wedding dress and veil, Evdokimenko in a classic suit. The spouses are smiling and holding glasses in their hands.
A Story That Began with a Magazine Cover
According to recollections, their love story began even before they met in person. In 1964, a photograph of the young Sofia Rotaru appeared on the cover of the magazine "Ukraina". At that time, Anatoly Evdokimenko was serving in the army and happened to see a photo of his future wife. According to later accounts, the image impressed the musician so much that he kept the photograph by his army bed, and after completing his service he decided to look for the girl. He eventually managed to meet Rotaru in Chernivtsi, and the acquaintance gradually developed into a relationship that ended in marriage.
A Musical Couple
Anatoly Evdokimenko was not just the singer's husband, but also her professional partner. He led the ensemble "Krasna Ruta" and worked as the stage director of Sofia Rotaru's concert programs. Thus, their union combined both personal and creative life. In 1970, the couple's only son, Ruslan, was born, who later also worked in the music industry.
Final Years and Memory
Sofia Rotaru and Anatoly Evdokimenko lived together for 34 years. The musician passed away on October 23, 2002, at the age of 60 after a stroke; he was buried at Baikove Cemetery in Kyiv. Publishing the archive wedding photo on the anniversary became a way for the singer to publicly honor her husband's memory and remind fans of the beginning of their shared journey.
