Lillian Boutté-l’Etienne, New Orleans Jazz Ambassador, Passes Away at 75
NEW ORLEANS — Lillian Theresa Boutté-l’Etienne, an esteemed jazz vocalist and the second individual to be named “New Orleans Musical Ambassador,” has passed away at the age of 75. She died on May 23, 2025, leaving a profound legacy in jazz music and New Orleans culture. Boutté-l’Etienne, who held the prestigious title since 1986, was known for her unwavering support of musicians and health initiatives, notably raising significant funds for the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic.
Born to George and Gloria Leblanc-Boutté, she spent over three decades in Hamburg, Germany, before returning to her hometown, where she was cared for by her goddaughter, Tanya Ellsworth-Boutté. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on June 7 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.
She is survived by her siblings and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren, alongside friends from around the globe. The community mourns the loss of a passionate advocate for New Orleans music, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.
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