Few artists have left such a profound mark on Romanian culture as Gică Petrescu, a name synonymous with elegance, optimism, and the charm of the cântec de petrecere (party song). Generations hummed his melodies and admired the infectious energy with which he turned every performance into a celebration. Yet beyond the applause and the spotlight, the great singer lived a love story that underpinned his entire existence: his relationship with the poet and writer Cezarina Moldoveanu, the woman who became his wife, confidante, and unwavering support.

Gică Petrescu, the king of party music in Romania

Born on April 2, 1915, in Bucharest, into a cultured family, Gică Petrescu grew up in an environment where music and discipline were part of daily life. His father, a postal clerk educated in Switzerland, played the violin, while his mother, educated in France, was passionate about the piano.

The cultural atmosphere at home nurtured his artistic sensitivity but also imposed a strict framework of education, where French lessons and piano practice were mandatory. From this discipline emerged the rigorous, dedicated artist who would conquer the Romanian stage.

But his personal life, as often happens, did not follow the rules laid down for him. Instead of choosing a “suitable” wife according to his parents’ standards, Gică Petrescu followed his heart and remained faithful until the end to one woman: Cezarina Moldoveanu.

How the great artist met his soulmate

Cezarina was a refined and charismatic woman, but her past led many to look at her with suspicion. She had been married to Pichi Vasiliu, former prefect of the capital, executed after the Second World War alongside Marshal Antonescu.

What’s more, she had abandoned a promising career in medicine to dedicate herself to the stage—an unconventional and scandalous decision for that era. So, when fate brought Gică and Cezarina together at the Revue Theatre, the social differences and prejudices of the time seemed insurmountable.

He, a beloved and famous artist, was already at the height of his career. She, a woman with a controversial biography but with natural elegance and quiet magnetism, immediately caught his attention. Despite the firm opposition of his father, who wanted him to marry a renowned soprano such as Iolanda Mărculescu, Gică Petrescu did not yield. In his eyes, Cezarina was the one, the soulmate who offered him both emotional balance and inspiration.

Their relationship defied prejudice

Their love was not an ordinary one. It required sacrifice, compromise, and the courage to face society’s judgment. Recalling the early days of their relationship, Gică Petrescu confessed that he would slip into Cezarina’s dressing room when she wasn’t there, letting his imagination run free and dreaming of being by her side. It was a timid gesture, but also proof of the intensity of the feelings that overwhelmed him.

Cezarina, despite her appearance of frivolity, proved to be a deep and devoted spirit. She gave up all personal ambitions to support the artist. From that moment on, her entire life became an act of devotion: she became his secretary, impresario, artistic adviser, and even image manager. She handled his contracts, his repertoire, his stage outfits, and even intimate details such as dyeing his hair.

Behind every success of Gică Petrescu was the discreet but powerful influence of Cezarina. They were not just a couple in love but a true team, an indestructible partnership built on respect and affection. Musicologist Viorel Cosma, who knew them well, once said that Gică was an extremely shy man, and Cezarina was the only woman who had truly managed to enter his inner world.

A discreet wedding

For years, the opposition of Gică’s father prevented their marriage. But in 1955, after his father’s death, the singer felt for the first time free to follow his heart. That same year, alongside Cezarina, he said “yes” in a modest ceremony at the Civil Registry in Piața Amzei.

Their marriage was never one lived under the spotlight. Far from scandals and public curiosity, the two chose discretion and peace. For Gică Petrescu, family was never a topic for display but a sanctuary. Cezarina always remained in the background, refusing fame, but contributing decisively to the building of a legendary career. She was his friend, adviser, guardian angel, and the woman without whom the great artist could not imagine living.

The devastating loss of his wife and the years of solitude

In 1989, fate struck painfully. Cezarina’s death was the hardest trial of Gică Petrescu’s life. Though his body would endure for almost two more decades, his soul faded with her. Friends and acquaintances testified that after losing his wife, the artist became a changed man: withdrawn, quiet, often melancholic. The warm smile with which he had won over generations was now veiled in sadness.

An emotional episode, recounted by him, illustrates Cezarina’s devotion. After her death, while going through a drawer, he found a notebook in which she had carefully noted every important moment of his career—from concerts to seemingly trivial details. It was proof that she had lived not only by his side but for him, to preserve his artistic memory.

Even after her passing, every time he stepped on stage, his eyes instinctively searched for Cezarina in the audience. But she was no longer there—except deeply rooted in his heart. He never remarried, never sought solace in another’s arms. He remained faithful to a single love, living out his days in the shadow of memories.

A life lesson in sublime loyalty

The story of Gică Petrescu and Cezarina Moldoveanu transcends a simple romantic anecdote. It becomes a symbol of fidelity, of the courage to defy conventions, and of the power authentic love has over destiny. In a world where relationships grow increasingly fragile, their example shows that there are bonds capable of surviving every obstacle—even death.

For Gică Petrescu, success was never a journey taken alone. Behind the applause of the public was always a woman who, in silence, lit up his life and gave him the strength to sing. This love defined him, completed him, and gave him the force to become one of the greatest legends of Romanian music.

The artist, forever in the memory of Romanians

Gică Petrescu remains in Romania’s history as the “king of party music,” but his legacy goes beyond immortal songs. His love story with Cezarina Moldoveanu is perhaps just as important, for it reveals the unseen face of the artist: that of a sensitive, timid man who devoted his entire life to one woman.

Beyond fame, full concert halls, and optimistic songs, his life was a hymn to fidelity and to a love that never faded. In memory of Gică and Cezarina remains an emotional testament: that great love stories never die but continue to live on through memories, through art, and through the hearts of those who cherish them.