The Cuban presenter Lili Estefan could not hide her emotion after her daughter, Lina Luaces, was crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025, but beyond the title, what truly moved the host was hearing her express herself in Spanish.
For me, the greatest pride in seeing my daughter wearing that crown is not just the title. I believe it is seeing her speak in Spanish. I saw a daughter yesterday that made me so proud, and I didn't want to get emotional or cry,” confessed Estefan, visibly emotional, on the show hosted by El Gordo y La Flaca.
The host expressed that her daughter's relationship with the language has been a struggle for years, as often happens in many families of the Cuban exile.
A daughter who obviously represents the new generation of Cubans here in exile and they are losing their Spanish. I have been one of those mothers who constantly pressures them: ‘please, speak your language, the one your parents lived in,’” Lili explained.
Estefan assured that the most valuable aspect of this stage for her daughter has been witnessing her reconnecting with her Cuban roots through the language. “What I have gained the most from that crown is seeing her speak Spanish, in love with learning, in love with moving forward, everything I have always asked of her,” she confessed.
“Ahora tiene que prepararse en inglés, pero tiene que seguir entrenando, tiene que seguir haciendo oratoria. Cada una de esas niñas ustedes no se imaginan cómo tienen que preparars”, añadió.
Furthermore, she revealed that for a long time, she felt she was failing as a mother for not being able to have her daughter adopt Spanish as her primary language: “I would say, ‘Why, if I speak to her in Spanish so much, why, if I work in the Hispanic market, doesn’t Lina speak to me in Spanish?’ She would tell me, ‘Mom, none of my friends speak Spanish’”.
That’s why watching Lina be crowned Miss Universe Cuba and express herself in Spanish has been, according to Lili, “the greatest pride I can experience seeing my daughter wearing that crown.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Lina Luaces and her crowning as Miss Universe Cuba 2025
Why is it important for Lili Estefan that her daughter Lina Luaces speaks Spanish?
For Lili Estefan, the greatest pride in seeing her daughter crowned as Miss Universe Cuba is hearing her speak in Spanish. The host has expressed that, in the Cuban exile community, it is common for new generations to lose the language of their parents. Watching Lina reconnect with her Cuban roots through Spanish has been a significant achievement for Lili.
How has Lina Luaces responded to the criticism regarding her coronation?
Lina Luaces has faced criticism with confidence and determination. She has stated that, although her surname might be seen as an advantage by some, she has had to work three times harder to prove her worth. Additionally, she has emphasized that knowing her identity is her greatest strength, asserting that when you know who you are, you have already won.
What connection does Lina Luaces have with Cuba, despite not being born on the island?
Although Lina Luaces was born in the United States, she has expressed on several occasions that she feels more Cuban than American due to the upbringing and values instilled by her Cuban parents. Her participation in Miss Universe Cuba and her statements in support of the Cuban people reflect her strong emotional connection to the country and its culture.
What was the Estefan family's reaction to Lina Luaces' coronation?
The Estefan family, including Emilio and Gloria, expressed great pride and excitement for Lina Luaces's achievement. Both expressed their admiration and support for her, celebrating her success and wishing her the best on her journey to the Miss Universe pageant. Their unwavering support strengthens Lina's representation on the international stage.
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