ROME - Luciano Pavarotti's widow says the celebrated tenor had a great love for life and she is missing his joy and cheerfulness.

Nicoletta Mantovani said the maestro was able to "thrill everyone in the world." She spoke at a meeting Friday to announce plans to mark the first anniversary of his death.

Pavarotti died Sept. 6, 2007, after a battle with cancer. He married Mantovani in 2003 and they had a daughter. He also had three daughters from a previous marriage.

Pavarotti's charismatic persona and powerful voice made him the most beloved tenor since the great Caruso and one of the few opera singers to win crossover fame as a popular superstar.

A concert will be held at New York's Metropolitan Opera House on Sept. 18 and an exhibit will open in Rome on Oct. 17.