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Events on Saturday 17 December 2011 2
1941 – 2011Kim Jong-il (1941-2011)Died 17 December 2011, aged 70The North Korean leader ruled the isolated, nuclear-armed state for 17 years, continuing the personality cult and militarized "Songun" policy established by his father, Kim Il-sung. His death was announced two days later and led to the succession of his son, Kim Jong-un. State media broadcast displays of mass public mourning across the country.
1941 – 2011Cesaria Evora (1941-2011)Died 17 December 2011, aged 70The Cape Verdean singer, known as the "Barefoot Diva," brought morna music to international audiences and won a Grammy Award in 2004. She died in her hometown of Mindelo after years of declining health. She remains Cape Verde's best-known cultural export.