The unveiling coincided with the centenary of Koterbska’s birth in Bielsko-Biała on July 13, 1924.
Located in front of the Polski Theatre, the monument is a life-size statue of the singer, in an evening dress, holding a bouquet of roses in her hands. It is the work of local artist Lidia Sztwiertnia.
Koterbska’s son, actor Roman Frankl, was deeply moved during the unveiling ceremony, saying that his mother "never behaved like a star but was a normal, easy-going person."
He added that the entrance to the Polish Theatre is a perfect location for the monument. "It was there that my mother made her debut as a dancer and actress," Frankl told the media.
The mayor of Bielsko-Biała, Jarosław Klimaszewski, said that local residents will forever be grateful to Koterbska for promoting the town during her tours across the world.
Koterbska was among Poland’s iconic singers of the post-World War II period, achieving enormous popularity, particularly in the 1950s and '60s.
She had over 1,500 songs in her repertoire, many of which became national hits. As a member of the Wagabunda comedy troupe, she toured Britain and the United States, performing for the Polish communities there.
She recorded several LPs and appeared in two feature films.
Koterbska’s honours included the Officer's Cross of the Polonia Restituta Order and the Gloria Artis Gold Medal of Cultural Merit.
She died in Bielsko-Biała on January 18, 2021, aged 96.
(mk/gs)