As the world celebrated Mother's Day on May 10, 2025, emotions ran high for many, including actress and presenter Maribel Guardia, who continues to grapple with the profound loss of her only son, Julián Figueroa. Julián, who was just 27 years old when he passed away on April 9, 2023, due to a heart attack, left a lasting void in Guardia's life.
In a heartfelt social media post, Maribel shared a touching photograph of herself with Julián, accompanied by an emotional message reflecting her pain and longing. "Julián, today like every 9th, my soul fills with silence. Time does not erase your absence, nor your love, which lives in every corner of my heart," she wrote. The post resonated deeply with her followers, who expressed their support and condolences.
Marco Chacón, Guardia's partner, spoke candidly about her ongoing struggle with grief, stating, "Maribel is having a hard time; she has not yet overcome it, but she is working on it. She is an incredibly emotionally intelligent woman, and she is determined to move forward." Chacón, who has raised Julián since he was two years old, described their relationship as one filled with respect and mutual admiration, highlighting the significant impact Julián had on his life.
Adding to the day's emotional weight, Guardia also extended her blessings to Emiliano Aguilar, the eldest son of singer Pepe Aguilar. Emiliano, who has faced his own challenges, including a legal issue in 2017 involving human trafficking, received praise from Maribel, who acknowledged his artistic talent and potential. "He has a lot of talent and a bright artistic future," she stated.
Pepe Aguilar expressed his deep love for Emiliano, stating, "I love my son Emiliano, I adore him, and I hope we can be together soon. Each of us has our own life, and I’m glad he’s doing well." This sentiment was echoed by Maribel, who, despite her own grief, took the time to support another mother navigating her son’s challenges.
Emiliano Aguilar's journey has not been easy. Following his arrest at the Tijuana-San Diego border for attempting to smuggle four Chinese citizens in 2017, he pleaded guilty to human trafficking, resulting in three years of probation and six months in a rehabilitation center to address his addiction and depression issues. Despite these struggles, he remains focused on his music career, particularly in the rap genre.
Meanwhile, Imelda Tuñón, who was in a relationship with Julián Figueroa, shared her own narrative during a podcast interview, shedding light on their love story and the challenges they faced. Two years after Julián's death, Tuñón recounted how they met at a party in Monterrey and how she became the only girlfriend he introduced to his father, the legendary Joan Sebastian.
Imelda revealed that she discovered her pregnancy unexpectedly in 2016, around four months along, and emphasized that Julián was supportive throughout the pregnancy, even covering hospital expenses when their son, José Julián Figueroa, was born. However, she noted that Maribel Guardia called Julián to Mexico City shortly after the birth, causing him to miss the first week of their son’s life.
In a surprising revelation, Tuñón shared that Julián had temporarily escaped from a rehabilitation center to marry her, an event that was initially met with disapproval from Maribel. "We were both nervous, signing papers without fully understanding everything," she recalled, reflecting on the complexities of their relationship.
Tuñón also discussed her challenges with Maribel regarding the upbringing of their son. She described how Maribel would often spoil José Julián, disrupting the established sleep routines that she had set. "When I wanted to teach him to sleep through the night, his grandmother would come in and wake him up," she explained, highlighting the tensions that can arise within blended families.
As Maribel honored her sister, Vilma Chacón, on Mother’s Day, she expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she has received throughout her life, especially during her darkest moments following the loss of her mother and son. In her tribute, Maribel referred to Vilma as her second mother, stating, "You became my embrace, my voice, my strength. Thank you for being a beacon in my darkness and for loving me as only you know how to do."
Despite the challenges, Maribel remains focused on her family and the legacy of her son. She has not had contact with her grandson, José Julián, for months due to a legal dispute with Imelda Tuñón, but she continues to cherish the memories of her time with Julián and the love they shared.
As the day unfolded, it was clear that Mother's Day 2025 was not just a celebration for many, but also a poignant reminder of the love, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics that shape their lives. Maribel Guardia, Pepe Aguilar, and Imelda Tuñón each navigate their unique paths of grief and hope, reminding us all of the enduring power of love and the importance of family.
