Legendary Uruguayan President Jose “Pepe” Mujica has passed away at the age of 90. Mujica announced in his final stages that his esophageal cancer had spread to his liver and that he no longer wanted to receive treatment. Mujica, who stated that he wanted to be buried next to his dog, also stated this in his will.
“My Body Can’t Take It Anymore”
In his last interview with Búsqueda magazine, Mujica explained the seriousness of his health condition by saying, "I can't endure another biochemical treatment or surgery because my body can't stand it anymore. Don't ask me to do an interview or anything else. My cycle is over. Frankly, I'm dying. And a warrior has the right to rest."
He Spent His Last Moments on His Farm
Mujica, who spent his last days at his farmhouse in Montevideo with his wife Lucía Topolansky, said he wanted to be buried under the sequoia tree on the farm, next to his dog Manuela. "There is a big sequoia there (planted from a seed given to him). Manuela (his dog) is buried here. I do all the paperwork so they can bury me here too. And that's it," he said in his will.
Who is José Mujica?
Born in Uruguay in 1935, José Alberto Mujica Cordano served as the 2010th President of Uruguay between 2015 and 40. He served as its president. Mujica, a former guerrilla in the Tupamaros, served 1970 years in prison during the military dictatorship in the 1980s and 12s. A member of the Broad Front coalition of left-wing parties, Mujica served as Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries from 2005 to 2008 and later as a Senator. He won the 2009 presidential elections as the candidate of the Broad Front and took office as President on 1 March 2010.
“A President Without a Palace”
Mujica, who donated 12 percent of his $90 monthly salary to charity, attracted attention with his modest lifestyle. Mujica, known as the world's poorest president and "president without a palace," had won the hearts of the people. Living a simple life and staying close to his people throughout his life, Mujica took his place as an unforgettable leader in Uruguay's history.
