Mantovani spoke from Ischia, an island on the Gulf of Naples, where she was accepting a music award on her husband's behalf.
"He is filled with happiness," she said. "You can never tell, but I think Luciano has done it, he's recovered."
Mantovani said that quotes by her husband's daughter, Giuliana, alleging Pavarotti "knows he will die soon" were taken out of context when published in the Italian magazine, Diva e Donna. The tenor may even recommence his annual benefit concert, Pavarotti & Friends, in Modena.
"He's determined and the results are encouraging," said Mantovani.
"Despite the heavy treatment he has not lost weight — which by the way he would have liked — or his hair."
