Adam Kołaczkowski and Dariusz Kamys Recall the First Signs of Joanna Kołaczkowska’s Illness
The first anniversary of Joanna Kołaczkowska’s death brings new details from her family and stage partners regarding the rapid onset of her illness. Speaking on Magda Mołek’s podcast “W moim stylu,” the late artist’s son, Adam Kołaczkowski, and her colleague Dariusz Kamys detailed the timeline of symptoms that preceded her glioblastoma diagnosis in April 2024, Pomponik reported.
Early Headaches and Missed Walks in April
Adam Kołaczkowski recalled that on April 1, he spoke with his mother, who reported experiencing pressure-like headaches upon waking for a week. He grew concerned when she declined an invitation to go for a walk after dinner, an activity she typically enjoyed. A week later, a phone conversation that usually lasted two hours ended after three minutes because she felt unwell, prompting him to urge her to see a neurologist.
She received an MRI or tomography scan result by that Friday and was admitted to the hospital by Sunday in mid-April.
Disruption of Rigid Work Discipline and Reassurance from Painkillers
Known for her strict work ethic and preparation discipline within the Hrabi cabaret, Kołaczkowska alarmed her colleagues when she first missed a rehearsal. Dariusz Kamys noted that such an absence was previously unthinkable for her. During a subsequent tour, her persistent headaches were temporarily eased by migraine medication prescribed by a friend, which provided initial reassurance to the group before the terminal diagnosis was confirmed.
Kamys observed that Kołaczkowska accepted the ultimately hopeless diagnosis with striking calmness, displaying neither anger nor rage. Polska Agencja Prasowa SA noted that Kołaczkowska passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 59 due to a glioblastoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Memoir and Family Reminiscences
What publication prompted these recent interviews by Adam Kołaczkowski and Dariusz Kamys?
The interviews coincided with the release of the book “Aśka. Joanna Kołaczkowska we wspomnieniach,” for which Adam Kołaczkowski wrote the introductory foreword, as detailed by Polska Agencja Prasowa SA and Pomponik.
How did Adam Kołaczkowski describe his childhood growing up with a famous cabaret artist mother?
Adam Kołaczkowski told Polska Agencja Prasowa SA that while people assumed his home life was constantly funny, he was initially irritated by it because his mother would discipline him for getting bad grades. Looking back, he recalled a childhood filled with humor, unconditional love from both parents, and an upbringing that respected individuality.
What musical influences shaped Adam Kołaczkowski’s upbringing alongside his mother?
According to Polska Agencja Prasowa SA, he grew up surrounded by music, frequently listening to jazz mixed with soul and rap, specifically jazz-hip-hop.
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