Marisol Malaret, the first Caribbean and Puerto Rican woman to win the Miss Universe title in 1970, died on March 19, 2023, at the age of 73. She was a beloved figure in Puerto Rico and beyond, known for her beauty, charisma, and humanitarian work. But what was Marisol Malaret’s cause of death? How did she spend her last days? And what legacy did she leave behind? In this article, we will explore these questions and pay tribute to the life and achievements of Marisol Malaret.
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The Cause of Death: Complications of a Pulmonary Condition
According to El Nuevo Día, the main news outlet in Puerto Rico, Marisol Malaret’s cause of death has not been officially disclosed to the public as of yet. However, it was reported that she had been hospitalized for days due to complications of a pulmonary condition
Pulmonary conditions are disorders that affect the lungs and respiratory system. They can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and fatigue. Some common pulmonary conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and pulmonary embolism
It is not clear what specific pulmonary condition Marisol Malaret suffered from, or how long she had been battling it. However, it is possible that her condition was worsened by other factors such as age, smoking, air pollution, or COVID-19
The Last Days: Surrounded by Family and Friends
Despite her health issues, Marisol Malaret remained active and cheerful until her last days. She was surrounded by her family and friends, who supported her and comforted her during her hospitalization. Among them were her husband Frank Cué, her daughter Sasha Stroman, her brother Jesús Malaret, and her close friend Denise Quiñones, who was also a former Miss Universe from Puerto Rico
Marisol Malaret also received many messages of love and admiration from her fans and colleagues, who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for her contributions to Puerto Rico and the world. She was remembered as a trailblazer, a role model, a humanitarian, and a legend
The Legacy: A History-Making Beauty Queen and TV Host
Marisol Malaret made history in 1970 when she became the first Caribbean and Puerto Rican woman to win the Miss Universe crown. She was crowned by her predecessor Gloria Diaz from the Philippines at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Florida. She was 20 years old at the time, and worked as an executive secretary for the Puerto Rico Telephone Company.
Her victory was celebrated by thousands of Puerto Ricans who welcomed her at the San Juan International Airport with cheers and applause. She was also invited to the White House by President Richard Nixon, who congratulated her on her achievement. She became a national icon and a source of pride for Puerto Rico.
After her reign as Miss Universe, Marisol Malaret pursued a successful career as a model and a television host. She appeared on many magazines covers and advertising campaigns, and hosted several shows such as Mami (1971), Festival de la Canción OTI (1972), Noche de Gala (1980-1989), El Show de las 12 (1990-1994), and Nuestra Belleza Latina (2007-2015). She also participated in various charitable causes and social projects, especially those related to children’s welfare and education.
Marisol Malaret was married three times: to former male model Butch James, musician Corky Stroman (with whom she had her only child Sasha), and Cuban-born engineer Frank Cué. She had five half-siblings: Joseph, Alicia, Rita, Antonio, and Raul. Her parents were Lydia Contreras and José Antonio Malaret. She was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico on October 13, 1949.
Marisol Malaret will always be remembered as one of the most influential and beloved figures in Puerto Rican history and culture. Her beauty, grace, intelligence, and kindness inspired generations of women and men around the world. She left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.