Former TV presenter and Miss Puerto Rico 1971, Idalia Margarita “Beba” Franco, highlighted the qualities and human qualities of Marisol Malaret Contreras, the first Puerto Rican Miss Universe, who passed away on Sunday, March 19.
Beba Franco was crowned by Marisol Malaret and Ivonne Menéndez, who was named Miss Puerto Rico when Marisol won the Miss Universe pageant in 1970.
“Marisol, always beautiful, natural, kind, intelligent and a fighter… a role model for every Puerto Rican woman. The news of his death hit me and I am very sorry. I identify with people in the sadness of losing our first Queen to win the Miss Universe title. My condolences to his family. I hope that God has welcomed you into his holy bosom and rest in peace,” said Beba Franco.