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Here's who the woman Oliver Mlakar has loved his whole life: 'I was lucky to find a quality and honest person'
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Culture & Society

Here's who the woman Oliver Mlakar has loved his whole life: 'I was lucky to find a quality and honest person'

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Television host Oliver Mlakar, who celebrated his 90th birthday last year, lives a quiet life on his rural estate near Samobor.
  • He has been married to his wife, Dunja, for nearly six decades, and they have raised two daughters together.
  • Mlakar attributes their long and happy marriage to honesty, loyalty, and mutual respect, emphasizing his commitment to his family.

Legendary television host Oliver Mlakar, who marked his 90th birthday last year, now enjoys a peaceful life at his rural estate near Samobor. For nearly six decades, his wife Dunja has been by his side, and together they raised two daughters. Their journey began at the dawn of Oliver's career when they first met in the library of Radio Zagreb.

Oliver vividly recalls their first encounter, remembering Dunja's attire: a yellow sweater, a gray bell-shaped skirt, and low-heeled shoes with a strap and buckle. He cherishes these details even today. Their relationship evolved from initial walks, often accompanied by Dunja's friend, into a serious romance. He recounted to 24sata how he would escort her home via tram, only to meet friends later for food and drinks, while Dunja had to return home early.

I was lucky to find a quality and honest person. In marriage, as in any other relationship, one must be honest. If you respect your partner, the family will be harmonious. The initial excitement and infatuation fade over time. Afterward, it's crucial to remain honest and faithful for the family to last.

โ€” Oliver MlakarExplaining the foundation of his long-lasting marriage.

When asked about the secret to their enduring marriage, Oliver emphasized honesty and loyalty in a conversation with Story. "I was lucky to find a quality and honest person. In marriage, as in any other relationship, one must be honest. If you respect your partner, the family will be harmonious. The initial excitement and infatuation fade over time. Afterward, it's crucial to remain honest and faithful for the family to last," he stated. He added, "My wife Dunja was very understanding of me, and I gave her many reasons for that. I remained devoted to my family; I was never one for straying. I always thought of her and the children. That was always most important to me."

Their daughters, Maลกa and Iva, have built successful lives. Maลกa is a doctor of archaeology living in Great Britain, while Iva is involved in entrepreneurship. The article also includes a brief mention of another celebrated Croatian woman, declared the most beautiful Croat of all time, who married a national team player and lives a fairytale life, though this appears to be a separate item.

My wife Dunja was very understanding of me, and I gave her many reasons for that. I remained devoted to my family; I was never one for straying. I always thought of her and the children. That was always most important to me.

โ€” Oliver MlakarHighlighting his commitment and devotion to his wife and family as key to their relationship's longevity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.