After a long battle with cancer, Pepe Mujica, former president of Uruguay and one of the world’s most admired political figures, passed away at the age of 89. Just minutes after the news of his death broke, a heartwarming detail about his burial emerged—and yes, it includes his dog.
Who Was Pepe Mujica? A Symbol of Humility and Hope
José Alberto Mujica Cordano was more than a political leader. A former guerrilla fighter turned statesman, he served as Uruguay’s president from March 1, 2010, to March 1, 2015. Known for his humility, generosity, and deep commitment to his people, Mujica donated a large portion of his salary to charity and remained loyal to his ideals throughout his life.
His down-to-earth lifestyle and powerful speeches made him a global icon, especially admired by the Latin American left and progressive circles around the world. Mujica died on Tuesday, May 13, after a long illness, just a few days shy of his 90th birthday.
Read also: Uruguayan Former President Jose Mujica Passed Away at 89, Cause of Death Revealed
His Last Wish Was to be Buried With His Best Friend
In 2020, Mujica shared one of his most heartfelt wishes: that he be buried alongside his best friend, his dog Manuela. That wish is now coming true.
Manuela, a beloved mixed-breed dog with a limp that became iconic, passed away in 2018 at the impressive age of 22. Her remains rest at the rural farm where Mujica lived with his wife, former vice president Lucía Topolansky. Mujica had once said, “The more I got to know humans, the more I loved dogs.” His ashes will now be placed beside hers.
“She lived 22 years, which is a record for a dog. She’s buried under a sequoia tree,” Mujica once said about Manuela, showing just how much she meant to him.
Pepe Mujica didn’t just earn the love of people around the world. His love for animals—especially Manuela—was one of the many reasons people admired him so deeply. Their bond was genuine, pure, and everlasting.
Today, as the world says goodbye to one of the most honest and human leaders of our time, we also remember a beautiful friendship that went beyond politics. Rest in peace, Pepe—and give Manuela a big hug from all of us.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Carla Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
