The romance between Mario Vargas Llosa, Peruvian Nobel Prize winner for Literature, and Isabel Preysler, Filipino-Spanish socialite and mother of singer Enrique Iglesias, was one of the most talked about of the last decade.
Their relationship, which lasted from 2015 to 2022, made headlines and generated debates in both literary circles and the tabloids; here we tell you all about how the romance began and why it ended.
A meeting that marked the beginning
Although they met in 1986 during an interview for ¡Hola! magazine, it was in 2015 when their relationship took a romantic turn.
At the time, Vargas Llosa was still married to Patricia Llosa, his wife of almost 50 years.
The public confirmation of his romance with Enrique Iglesias’ mother coincided with the announcement of their marital separation, which generated controversy and media attention.
A relationship under public scrutiny
From the beginning, the couple was the subject of constant attention.
They appeared together in numerous social events and television shows, such as “MasterChef Celebrity,” and participated in family documentaries.
This exhibition was criticized by some intellectual sectors and by the writer’s family, who considered that Vargas Llosa’s private life was becoming too public.
Reasons for separation
In December 2022, Isabel Preysler announced the breakup.
According to reports, one of the factors was Vargas Llosa’s refusal to marry, despite Preysler’s requests.
In addition, differences in their lifestyles and frequent arguments, some related to unfounded jealousy on the part of the writer, were mentioned.
The writer Mario Vargas Llosa died this Sunday, April 13, 2025
Reactions after the rupture
After the separation, Vargas Llosa resumed his closeness with his family, especially with his ex-wife Patricia Llosa, to whom he dedicated his novel “Le dedico mi silencio” (I dedicate my silence) in 2023.
For her part, Isabel Preysler expressed her sadness at the death of the writer in April 2025, although she decided not to make public statements on the matter.
Final reflection
Buzzy
The relationship between Vargas Llosa and Preysler was a reflection of how the personal lives of public figures can influence their public perception.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, this story highlights the intersection between literature, culture and social life, offering insight into how personal choices can resonate in the public sphere.
Find out more at QueOnnda.com.
