Xuxa begins farewell tour, reflects on past love with Ayrton Senna

Brazilian entertainment icon Xuxa, whose real name is Maria da Graça Meneghel, has launched her farewell tour, "El último vuelo de la nave" (The Last Flight of the Ship), in São Paulo. The tour kicked off with a massive show attended by over 50,000 fans eager to relive the nostalgia of the mega-star's career through her classic hits.

Xuxa's life has been a public spectacle, captivating generations through her television shows, concerts, and highly publicized love life. Early in her career, at just 17, she was embroiled in a media scandal due to her six-year relationship with soccer legend Pelé, who was 40 at the time and already had three children. She ended the relationship in 1986, citing continuous infidelity. "I had my first relationship that lasted six years and I was betrayed continuously," Xuxa recalled in a 2020 interview. "When I looked at him, his mouth had lipstick that wasn't mine. That was normal for him. Once he told me: 'It's the women who want to be with Pelé.'"

However, her "great love" arrived later in the form of Formula 1 racing champion Ayrton Senna. Their connection began in 1988, the same year Xuxa's popular children's show "Xou da Xuxa" (Xuxa's Show) reached new heights of success. While Xuxa was at the peak of her fame, she saw Senna in a magazine, and her representative, Marlene Mattos, facilitated their introduction. Their first date took place at Xuxa's home on December 15, 1988.

Describing their first meeting, Xuxa said, "When our hands touched, it was very strong. Even Zé, my dog, fell in love with him. That night we talked a lot. He told me about his experience in Japan, when he said he spoke with God and other matters."

Initially, the couple tried to keep their relationship private, but Senna eventually appeared on Xuxa's program. During one segment, Xuxa interviewed Senna, who playfully evaded a direct answer about his Christmas wish, saying, "What I really want I cannot say here." When Xuxa pressed him, he responded, "Censored." He did, however, state, "But I only want happiness." The profound connection between the beloved TV host and the celebrated race car driver captivated Brazil, leaving a lasting impression on the nation's collective memory.