Italy mourns Pippo Baudo: words that speak of a void that cannot be filled.

The news of Pippo Baudo's passing has unleashed a wave of sincere grief: not just a simple memory, but a collective realization that something unique and unrepeatable has gone. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X : "His face and voice have accompanied entire generations, providing emotions, smiles, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for everything," immediately restoring the profound sense of his presence in the hearts of Italians.

Equally heartfelt were the words of the President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa , who called him "a friend who brought prestige to the entertainment industry and to Sicily, which he held dear," while the Sicilian governor, Renato Schifani, emphasized that with him goes "one of the most beloved figures, capable of describing Italy through the language of popular entertainment."

In the entertainment world, the tribute is unanimous and moving. It's a terrible loss for me, who was his colleague for so many years, and it's a terrible loss for the world of RAI." With these words, Renzo Arbore commented on Pippo Baudo's death to Adnkronos. For Arbore, Baudo was the embodiment of a specific idea of public service. "Pippo represented RAI with all its programs: his Sanremo, his 'Fantastico,' his 'Domenica In.' He embodied the artistic RAI with which we both collaborated. We had the ambition to make a product that was at least somewhat artistic, not just about ratings. I don't remember ever talking about ratings with him; we had the ambition to make a program that would truly appeal to the public."

An ambition that translated into a constant discovery of talents that "would be too long to list." But behind the television giant, there was a deep friendship. "We were friends because we had the same background," Arbore reveals. "Both were failed lawyers. Both provincials, who wanted to de-provincialize ourselves. We both went to Padre Pio." In short, "many things united us."

A bond that at work transformed into an immediate understanding. "We had a professional friendship; a glance was enough to understand each other, because we were part of the same RAI." A comment that perfectly sums up an era: "Pippo represented a TV that no longer exists." Mara Venier , speaking on TG1, confessed: "I knew he wasn't well, but I didn't think it could go so quickly... We loved each other." Milly Carlucci, visibly moved, spoke of "a master, a true point of reference in our profession." Simona Ventura wrote on social media: "You were my teacher. I will never forget you!!! Have a good trip, Pippo." Barbara D'Urso recalled his early days and the leap he made thanks to "Domenica In," thanking him for having shaped generations of artists.

Another emotionally impactful moment came from Carlo Conti 's direct words: "With you, the TV goes off, the TV you invented... I am grateful to you first as a spectator and then, undeservedly, as a colleague. Goodbye, Maestro." And again, Gerry Scotti recounted the personal gesture that changed his life: "It all started with a phone call from you... Thank you, Pippo. Italy loves you."

The condolences reach starry heights when they come from those who considered him something more than a colleague: for Laura Pausini , Pippo was "a family member", as confessed in a heartbreaking post on X: "The mourning I am experiencing tonight is inexplicable and profound... Rest in peace... I love you so much." Alba Parietti, in an emotional message on Instagram, hailed him as "the teacher of all, tough but capable of offering enormous possibilities... a mountain to climb who will be greatly missed."

Deep tributes were also paid in the world of culture and among institutional leaders. The RAI executives described it as a painful farewell to "a piece of the heart of Italian television," thanking him for transforming the concept of "national popular" into a noble and collective idea.

The many, many reactions—often in the form of personal memories, jokes, tears, heartfelt silences—describe Pippo Baudo 's true nature better than any biography: a host, a master, a giant who bridged generations and ways of experiencing television. His absence isn't just a chapter to be closed, but a gaping void in a country that, perhaps for the first time, truly understands what it was losing.