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Miss Universe Historical Edition Ieda Maria Vargas Passed Away 9 Days Before her 81st Birthday
Ex-Miss Universe Ieda Maria Vargas Has Passed Away at Age 80, Days Before 81st Birthday
Former Miss Universe Ieda Maria Vargas has passed away at the age of 80. In 1963, as the first Brazilian contestant, she clinched the international pageant crown.
Her death was announced in an official statement shared on the famous Instagram page. December 22, Monday, was the day of her passing, and she was only 9 days away from 81st birthday celebration.
“At this extremely painful moment, we are grateful for all the expressions of love, respect, and solidarity that we have received. Ieda was a radiant woman who not only deeply influenced the lives of many but also left an indelible mark in history and a treasure trove of love, joy, and inspiration,” the message, originally in Portuguese, said.
The Daughter of Ieda Maria Vargas Pays Tribute While the Cause of Death Remains Unclear
The specific details of Ieda Maria Vargas’ cause and manner of death are still unknown.
As a comment on the Instagram page of the ex-Miss Universe where the news was made public, the daughter of the departed, Fernanda Vargas, commented in the Portuguese language: “My partner, wonderful mother, she fought like a warrior. I love you.”
Besides that, Fernanda shared a post on her Instagram Stories, where she wrote: “Thank you for giving me the honor of being by your side all this time.”
Miss Universe Brazil Remembers Ieda Maria Vargas
Miss Universe Brazil through their social media posts have publicly mourned Ieda Maria Vargas’ death along with publishing her picture and honor her outstanding contribution in the field of pageantry.
They explained that her victory in 1963 was not just the “historic moment” but her achievement also played a crucial role in defining the Miss Universe title.
“Ieda was a pioneer by opening the doors when there were no guides yet. In 1963, she took Brazil to the center of the world and proved that our women not only had the voice but also the presence and power to go beyond the stage,” the official Miss Universe Brazil Instagram account wrote in Portuguese. “She shifted the eyes of the world, became a role model for different generations, and by assisting the making of the Miss Universe brand that we know and love today.”
Miss Universe Organization honors Ieda Maria Vargas
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) made use of the comments section of the post of Miss Universe Brazil to express “its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who was touched by the life of Iêda Maria Vargas, Miss Universe 1963.”
The global pageant further commented, “Her story will surely continue to inspire people for many years to come,” ending the remark with a heart and dove emoji.
The MUO was also said to have paid tribute to her on X with an archival video of her victory and crowning in their commemorative post.
