Rita Ora shares moving tribute to mum with The Voice co-star Keith Urban

18 January 2024 , 17:47

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Rita Ora has shared a loving tribute to her mum Vera Sahatciu on her 60th birthday (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Ann)

Rita Ora has paid moving tribute to her mum Vera by sharing a sweet video montage to Instagram as a surprise gift on her 60th birthday.

The Voice star Rita, who was born to Vera and dad Besnik in the former Yugoslavia in 1990, posted a series of clips from her childhood accompanied by her new single Shape of Me, which is released next week. The track, which the 33-year old singer penned about her mum, features Keith Urban - Rita's fellow mentor on The Voice Australia.

The catchy tune sees Rita sing: "She said, don't you worry, babe/You've got my blood in your veins/I'll be here to catch you/When your world is just about to break." NHS psychiatrist Vera is also mum to Rita's siblings, Elena and Don.

Rita's new song features Keith Urban

Proud Rita penned: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM! We’ve been through everything together, you’ve always been such a beautiful inspiration in my life and in my music. I wanted to write a song about you for the longest time, so when Shape Of Me was written by me and the You & I writing squad for my album and released I was finally able to share so much that i’ve been feeling about you."

Due to conflict in Yugoslavia, Vera and Besnik relocated the family from what is now Kosovo shortly after Rita's birth - moving to Notting Hill where Besnik entered the pub trade. Rita would later use the pub as a platform to showcase her voice during open mic sessions, whilst her parents enrolled her into the Sylvia Young Theatre School to further her talents.

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Rita continued in the tribute: "It really became clear how much love you’ve shown me and how much you’ve taught me over the years!! SO, what better way to say HBD then to share a new version of it with the AMAZING Keith Urban, out 26th January. I can’t believe I have a song with the legend himself it’s such a huge honour!

"He helped me make it that much more special as this song is also showing appreciation to all the women in your life! And that guitar solo Keith is ICONIC! So surprise mum this one is for you! Happy 60th!"

Rita's video montage tribute features numerous snaps from her childhood (Instagram/ @ritaora)

A young Rita with her sister, Elena (Instagram/ @ritaora)

Vera responded to the post: "Don’t you worry babes you’ve got my blood in your veins." Elsewhere amongst Rita's fan base, one of her 16 million followers gushed: "I think proof of how special and Loving your Mom is...is the smiles on little Rita's face. Happy Birthday to your Mom!"

Another added: "Happy birthday to the queen who gave birth to one of the most incredible artists of our time!" And a wrote: "Aww Happy 60th Birthday @veraora you immense STUNNA sooo excitable for Shape Of Me ft Keith Urban & your immense vocal queen daughter."

Alan Johnson