Eurovision Song Contest star dies after battling mystery illness as fans pay tribute

EUROVISION legend Mattis Hætta has died at the age of 63. The singer was best known for his performance in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest alongside Sverre Kjelsberg. Mattis Hætta (right) has died after battling a mystery illness The pair finished in 16th place when representing Norway. In a statement to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the singer’s family confirmed he had died after battling an illness. The singer is survived by his four children and two grandchildren. Hætta’s co-star Kjelsberg, who performed alongside him at the 1980 competition, died in 2016. Tributes have poured in for Mattis. Following his Eurovision performance, Mattis went on to work in pantomimes and yoiks in Alta, Kautokeino and Luleå. He later trained to become a teacher and released an album named after his native village Máze. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY… The Sun is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.