The Czech music scene is mourning the loss of Jiří Valenta, a keyboardist for the iconic band Olympic, who died by suicide on February 27, 2026. He was 66 years traditional.
Olympic announced Valenta’s death on social media Wednesday, stating, “The group Olympic with deep sorrow announces that former member of the band, keyboardist Jiří Valenta, who was part of Olympic from 1986-2020 and during his time played hundreds of concerts at home and abroad, has permanently left us. Jirka was a prominent figure in the band and a respected musician. His premature departure has deeply affected us.”
Valenta joined the legendary Czech group in 1986, replacing Miroslav Berka, and remained a member for 34 years before departing in 2020. News of his sudden death emerged on Wednesday, and it has now been confirmed that he took his own life.
According to reports, Valenta ended his life near a river, using a firearm. His wife, Mirjam Valentová, expressed shock, stating she was unaware he owned a gun. “I only knew that he had a firearms license, but a gun? I am a pacifist, so he probably kept it from me. I have no idea where he hid it…” she told news outlets.
The circumstances surrounding Valenta’s death have led to a complicated situation regarding his funeral. Mirjam Valentová has explicitly forbidden members of Olympic from attending the service. “If it happens at all, it will be in a very small circle of family. I’m clear about that,” she told Nedělní Blesk.
Petr Janda, leader of Olympic, reportedly contacted Valentová from Florida, requesting that the band be allowed to attend the funeral, but she refused. “Petr called me from America, asking us to wait for them with the funeral. I immediately told him I didn’t want a single guy from Olympic there…” Valentová revealed.
The news comes years after Valenta was deeply affected by the death of his close friend and fellow musician, Milan Peroutka. The loss had a lasting impact on him, though he continued to pursue his musical career for several years before retiring from the band in 2020 and retreating to a more private life at his home near the Sázava River.
This tragic event adds to a growing list of losses for the band Olympic, with eight members having passed away over the years, according to reports.
