Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | María Del Rosario De La Cueva Y Perignat |
| Birth Date | 7 January 1919 |
| Death Date | 14 March 2002 |
| Birthplace | Spain (presumed) |
| Parents | José de la Cueva, Dolores Perignán |
| Spouse | Julio Iglesias Puga (m. 1943–1983) |
| Children | Julio José Iglesias, Carlos Iglesias |
| Cause of Death | Heart failure & pneumonia |
| Last Residence | Miami, Florida |
Early Life and Ancestry
On January 7, 1919, María Del Rosario De La Cueva Y Perignat was born into a prominent Spanish aristocratic family. Her upbringing is little chronicled, reflecting her lifelong secrecy and discretion. During her childhood, her journalist father José de la Cueva provided a rich intellectual environment. Her mother, Dolores Perignán, nurtured great qualities like duty, discretion, and cultural sophistication.
| Datum | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 7 January 1919 |
| Birthplace | Spain (presumed) |
| Father | José de la Cueva |
| Mother | Dolores Perignán |
| Lineage | Casa de la Cueva (nobility) |
Marriage and Children
María Del Rosario married Dr. Julio Iglesias Puga at 24 in 1943, combining two prominent families. After two years, she had two sons: Julio José (September 1943) and Carlos (January 1945). She kept her children under wraps despite her husband’s burgeoning fame. Her mother influence and disciplined household prepared both sons for music and managerial success.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Married To | Julio Iglesias Puga |
| Marriage Year | 1943 |
| Children | Julio José Iglesias, Carlos Iglesias |
| Julio’s Birth | 23 September 1943 |
| Carlos’s Birth | 7 January 1945 |
Divorce and Final Years
The 1983 divorce of María Del Rosario and Julio Iglesias Puga marked a turning point in her life after 40 years together. She moved to Miami, Florida, to be near her oldest son to avoid European media scrutiny. She focused on her health and family there, living quietly and rarely appearing in public. As requested, she was discreetly cremated after dying of heart failure and pneumonia at 83 on March 14, 2002.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Divorce Year | 1983 |
| Relocation | Miami, Florida |
| Death Date | 14 March 2002 |
| Cause of Death | Heart failure & pneumonia |
| Funeral | Private cremation |
Influence and Legacy
Despite not seeking public acclaim, María Del Rosario’s legacy lives on through her descendants’ achievements. She encouraged early piano and vocal lessons for her eldest son, launching a global career. Her stress on family seclusion and togetherness shaped the Iglesias clan’s public and private existence. Her grandchildren and extended family live by her principles of discipline, humility, and togetherness.
| Contribution | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maternal Support | Encouraged musical education in early childhood |
| Family Privacy | Maintained discretion beyond media reach |
| Grandchildren | Chábeli, Julio Jr., Enrique Iglesias |
| Impact on Music | Laid foundations for a superstar’s global success |
| Enduring Memory | Matriarchal inspiration across generations |
Recent Family News
María Del Rosario passed away in 2002, yet her family continues to be recognized for her impact. Her 81-year-old son Julio Iglesias is having specialized therapy for a benign spinal tumor (osteoblastoma) and concomitant physical difficulties in March 2025. Netflix’s 2024 biographical series about Julio’s six-decade career revived interest in the family’s history. Keeping her values of prudence and solidarity, her younger son Carlos runs the clan.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Julio’s Health | Osteoblastoma in spine, treatment ongoing (March 2025) |
| Current Age | 81 years |
| Care | Under specialist supervision |
| Media Project | 2024 Netflix biographical series announced |
| Family Continuity | Carlos continues as family manager |
FAQ
Who was María Del Rosario De La Cueva Y Perignat?
Born in 1919, she was a Spanish aristocracy and Julio Iglesias’ mother.
When did she pass away?
She died of heart failure and pneumonia in Miami on March 14, 2002.
How many children did she have?
She has two boys, Julio José (1943) and Carlos (1945).
What is her lasting legacy?
She encouraged privacy, discipline, and support, boosting Julio’s global career and family togetherness.
