The beloved green cartoon owl, Duo, the mascot of the language-learning app Duolingo, has passed away in a mysterious circumstance, leaving singer Dua Lipa heartbroken. On Tuesday, the brand mournfully announced Duo's departure on their official platform, penning a whimsical yet cheeky statement: "Authorities are diligently probing the cause of his demise, and we are fully cooperating. Honestly, he might have expired while eagerly awaiting your next lesson, but who really knows?"
Duolingo, a smartphone app dedicated to language learning, boasts over 100 courses spanning more than 40 languages, all neatly packaged in bite-sized sessions. During the pandemic, it skyrocketed in popularity, famously sending quirky or teasing reminders to urge users to stay on their learning path whenever they missed a lesson.
The statement continued, "We're cognizant of the fact that he had his share of adversaries, but we humbly request that you refrain from revealing your grievances against him in the comments section." It further acknowledged Lipa by stating, "We deeply appreciate your respect for Dua Lipa's privacy during this difficult time."
In response to Duolingo's announcement, Lipa penned on her platform on Wednesday, "Til' death duo part," echoing her connection with the owl. Besides sharing remarkably similar names, there's a deeper "lore" that intertwines the "Levitating" singer and Duo.
"Over the years, we've crafted a brand lore around Duo's unwavering love for her, culminating in a proposal outside her Madison Square Garden concert. We're as astonished (and honored) as anyone that she has acknowledged his tragic fate," shared a representative for Duolingo in a statement.
According to the representative, Lipa's response was spontaneous and "not part of a paid brand partnership—merely the natural outcome of Duo's long-standing, unrequited affection for her."
As for the enigma surrounding Duo's demise, it remains unsolved. However, Duolingo continues to thrive. "Duo may be gone, but our brand is very much alive (and as eccentric as ever)," the representative told CNN.
