The Quebec music world is mourning the loss of Paul “Polo” Bellemare, the beloved frontman of the band Les Frères à Ch’val, who passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 68 after choosing medical assistance in dying.
Today, March 18, 2026, marks the first anniversary of Bellemare’s death, prompting tributes from his widow, friends, and fans. The singer’s brother, Pierre Bellemare, initially announced his passing on Facebook, a statement later confirmed by Groupe Humour et Chanson, the band’s agency.
“Today, our beloved brother passed away, in peace and serenity, holding the hand of his wife and daughter,” Pierre Bellemare wrote. “He leaves behind a legacy of numerous talents – musician, songwriter, painter, actor. We would like to sincerely thank all the staff of the palliative care unit at the CHSLD St-Michel for the attention and dedication they provided during his time at the facility. Let us have a thought for our Voisin d’en Bas, so that his Grand Voyage to the infinite peaks of the Universe is accompanied by our love. XXX.”
Bellemare’s battle with cancer began in September 2023, when he received a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer that quickly spread to other organs. Despite the grim prognosis, he faced the illness with resilience, regularly updating his fans on his health journey through Facebook posts. The news of his passing resonated deeply within the Quebec music scene, known for its vibrant and close-knit community.
In the months leading up to his death, Bellemare participated in an experimental immunotherapy treatment at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, maintaining optimism despite the side effects. He hoped the treatment would not only extend his life but also contribute to medical advancements for others fighting aggressive cancers.
On February 12, 2026, Bellemare shared his hopes in a final Facebook post: “Today I am doing well and I intend for it to stay that way! Good day to all and each and courage and hope to my many friends battling cancer…”
