Mayte Zaldívar recently opened up about her poignant first Christmas without her late husband, Julián Muñoz, during an emotional interview on the program ‘Y Ahora Sonsoles.’ The loss of Julián, who passed away on September 24, 2023, left Zaldívar grappling with deep sadness, yet she found ways to keep his memory alive during the holiday season.
During the exclusive talk with journalist Paloma García-Pelayo, Zaldívar shared intimate details of how she commemorated the holidays. "It has been a very sad Christmas," she admitted, reflecting on the swirl of emotions she experienced during this time. "There were tears, laughter, and all sorts of feelings — it’s something I can't explain. I can describe it with either smiles or tears; it’s incredibly difficult," she expressed, her voice touching on the hardship of her grief.
One deeply touching ritual involved placing Julián's ashes at the Christmas table. Zaldívar described how they decorated the urn with a Santa hat and positioned it beside the fireplace to preside over the family gathering. "He was very much about Christmas, dressing up, putting up carols, and since the urn remains at home, we thought to put him by the table to share the moment," Zaldívar shared. This act not only honored his love for the holidays but also allowed the family to feel his presence amid their sorrow.
The interview showcased Zaldívar's vulnerability, painting a picture of the grieving process — one filled with both nostalgia and longing. "The tears don’t run out, nor does the pain," she confessed, illustrating the intense emotional struggle she continues to face. This raw honesty revealed the complexity of her feelings as she navigates through the various stages of mourning.
Viewers were captivated by her candid reflections on life without Muñoz. Completing her family's Christmas traditions became not just about remembrance but also about striving for healing. Zaldívar expressed her desire for the new year, stating, "I hope this year is different, very healthy, and peaceful.” Yet, she acknowledged the difficulty of her situation, saying, "I thought the tears would run out, but they don’t. The pain continues." Such sentiments resonate with many who have faced similar losses.
Zaldívar also touched on the continuing complex dynamics surrounding Muñoz’s legacy, particularly concerning his will and debts. "We renounced everything at the notary, not knowing what there would be. He told me he had nothing but debts from his past, which would fall on his heirs." This aspect of her narrative revealed the burden of legacy and the practical challenges facing those left behind.
Throughout the conversation, she did not shy away from addressing her tumultuous feelings toward Isabel Pantoja, Muñoz's former partner. Declaring, "I will always be Julián's widow, and I will always hate Isabel Pantoja," she conveyed her unwavering stance on this personal conflict, allowing viewers to understand the emotional complexity of her public persona.
Despite the holiday heartache, Zaldívar highlighted the importance of family support during this challenging period. Soon after Julián's passing, she was often seen with her partner, Fernando Marcos, who has emerged as her pillar through these difficult times. Their companionship provided moments of joy amid despair, illustrating how love can manifest even when faced with unimaginable loss.
The interview not only brought forth Zaldívar’s personal story of grief but also served as a reminder of the enduring impact of love during the holidays — even when it is tinged with sadness. Reflecting on her experience this year, she hoped for more serene times, expressing, "Let's take it all one step at a time.” With her heartfelt gestures, Zaldívar showcased how one can continue to honor lost loved ones, filling the void left behind with cherished moments and family connections.
