It’s the end of an era.
Duolingo, the language-learning app, shared a playful yet peculiar statement on Tuesday, February 11, “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as the Duolingo owl, is dead.” Interestingly, the statement ends with, “We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time.” Wondering what the ‘Houdini’ singer has to do with this? Apparently, there’s more to them having similar names.
The company has built lore surrounding Duo being in love and obsessed with the GRAMMY-winning singer, even proposing outside her concert at Madison Square Garden. In her post on X, Lipa reposted the announcement and wittingly wrote the caption “Til’ death duo part,” along with a broken heart emoji. A Duolingo representative said they were both shocked and honored that she acknowledged the tragic passing.
It seems to be Lipa’s reaction isn’t part of some marketing stunt the brand pulled off but rather “just the natural evolution of Duo’s long-standing, unrequited love for her,” the representative added.
The company, along with officials, identified the cause of death in a video update that may be sensitive to some owls. The video reveals that the mascot was hit by a Tesla Cybertruck, along with a caption that says, “Reward for whoever can identity the driver.”
The “death” came a couple of days after Duo openly mocked Canadian rapper Drake’s “funeral” following American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime performance.
Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that makes learning over 40 languages fun and interactive with games, lessons, and quizzes. The app and its mascot became an internet meme during the pandemic for reminding users when they missed a lesson. The app is free but also offers a paid version with extra features and no ads.