Who is Frank Farian's ex-wife? Boney M founder spent 20 years in common-law marriage before his 'peaceful' death at 82
![Frank Farian was never legally married to Chinya Onyewenjo (Instagram/@chinya.onyewenjo)](http://d2a0gza273xfgz.cloudfront.net/670983/uploads/afc34610-ba59-11ee-be85-a11bbd0ff6f5_1200_630.jpeg)
MIAMI, FLORIDA: The German singer and famed founder of disco-pop group Boney M and Latin pop group Milli Vanilli, Frank Farian, dies at the age of 82. After his death, Frank was paid tribute by his longtime partner Chinya Onyewenjo.
Frank and Chinya are reported to have met in the 1980s. However, the exact details of their meetings remain private. Both of them played a significant role in each other's life.
Despite mutual support and companionship, Frank and Chinya never officially tied the knot. Chinya was Frank's common-law wife, a relationship where people present themselves as married but without the legal ceremony. After 20 years of togetherness, Chinya and Frank parted their ways in 2008.
Frank was announced dead by the spokesperson of his family. The New York Times reports Grammy winner died on Tuesday, January 23, at his home in Miami.
Amid Frank's death, Chinya took to social media to pay tribute to her longtime partner and cherishes some of the spent together. Sharing a slew of photos with Frank, Chinya wrote, "I am truly sorry to inform you of the passing of Frank Farian, who was the father of my children Zoe and Yanina."
She added, "His legacy in music and family will forever be remembered. Celebrating his impactful life at 82."
![Reason behind Chinya Onyewenjo and Frank Farian's split is not known (Instagram/@chinya.onyewenjo)](https://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/f7fceca7-91f0-4ae9-ae64-6a52dcb3bc17.jpg)
Why did Frank Farian and Chinya Onyewenjo split?
After several years of public appearance as husband and wife (not legally), Frank and Chinya decided to split in 2008. The reasons behind their split remained unknown as it was never publically disclosed by either of them.
Despite the split, Chinya continued to stay devoted to her kids. She is often seen posting photos with them.
![Reason behind Chinya Onyewenjo and Frank Farian's split is not known (Instagram/@chinya.onyewenjo)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/f8b86f58-5850-4fea-b679-09ee05aec55f.jpg)
How many kids does Frank Farian have?
Frand had 3 daughters and a son including Yanina and Zoe. Both the daughters, that Frank and Chinya shared, paid tribute to their father.
Yanina posted a slew of photos of Frank, saying, "It's all surreal. My loving father, Frank Farian, passed away. I will always cherish the love we had and the time we spent together."
She added, "He left peacefully in his apartment in Miami at the age of 82." Yanina continued to count Frank's achievements in her post.
On the other hand, Zoe wrote, "I'm extremely heartbroken to share that my dad has passed away. Today has been a tough day and I appreciate everyone who's been there for me and my family."
![Frank Farian's daughters Zoe and Yanina pay tribute to him (Instagram/@yanina.onyewenjo/@)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/de4aef9b-bd1a-4286-88c2-49af8ba313d5.png)
Boney M legend and founder Frank Farian was previously saved by a pig heart valve
Frank underwent a heart surgery in 2022. This was a life-saving heart surgery where Frank was given a pig heart. The music producer confirmed it, jokingly saying that he has a "good pig" in him.
Despite successful heart surgery, Frank's health was failing. He was reported to have a lot of significant weight and relied on a wheelchair. Moreover, Frank also health with lung issues.
![Frank Farian has a pig heart surgery ahead of his death (Instagram/@yanina.onyewenjo)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/7cc3fe97-3d60-4377-85ad-ac19a2e93f7b.jpg)