The partner of opera star Luciano Pavarotti has given birth to twins, but only one has survived.

Nicoletta Mantovani, 33, underwent an emergency Caesarean operation in a Bologna hospital after complications surfaced.

She was in the 31st week of her pregnancy when it was discovered there was a lack of oxygen reaching the baby boy.

The surviving girl is Ms Mantovani's first child, but the fourth for 67-year-old Pavarotti.

A hospital spokeswoman said: "The pregnancy was a complicated one right from the beginning, and Nicoletta was being constantly monitored.

"The boy died but she and the baby girl are both doing fine."

Pavarotti is due to retire from performing in 2005

The girl, who weighed 4lbs at birth, is under observation in the hospital's neo-natal unit.

Pavarotti's relationship with his former personal assistant Nicoletta caused the breakdown of his 35-year marriage to wife Adua Veroni, who was also his business manager.

Grandfather

He has three grown up daughters with Adua - Lorenza, 40, Cristina, 38 and Giuliana, 35.

He became a grandfather last April.

Pavarotti had postponed a Three Tenors concert which was scheduled for 5 January so he could prepare for the birth of the twins.

He lost his mother, Adele, in 2002 but he carried on with work commitments, dedicating a peformance at London's Royal Opera House to her memory.

Pavarotti is credited with bringing opera to a wider audience, through a series of stadium concerts and tours.

His rendition of Nessun Dorma with Jos� Carreras and Placido Domingo became the soundtrack to the 1990 World Cup.

Pavarotti has indicated he will retire from performing on his 70th birthday in October 2005.