Mariló Montero, one of the most recognizable and at times controversial figures on Spanish television, has once again found herself in the spotlight. This time, it wasn’t a heated debate on live TV or a new sensational controversy that brought her attention, but an unexpected and rather cheeky revelation from her personal life that came as a bolt from the blue. While appearing on the entertainment show hosted by her friend Valeria Ros, the 60-year-old journalist from Navarra decided to share stories about her first trip across the African continent, details that had until now remained unknown to the public. Among these stories was one revelation that utterly stunned both the studio audience and the host herself, leaving everyone momentarily speechless.
With her trademark directness and a touch of irony, Montero revealed that, technically, she is still married. And not just to anyone, but to a man from the African savanna, whose name she admits she may no longer even remember. “So if there wasn’t a divorce and there was a wedding, I’m still married to that guy,” she declared with a laugh, sparking an outburst of laughter and applause in the studio. The story of this unusual union began many years ago during her first safari, when—full of excitement from the wild nature—she had no idea what surprise fate had in store.
The driver of the jeep accompanying her group suggested at one point that they stop for a walk in a scenic—and, according to him, completely safe—area. During this stroll under the scorching African sun, the man, without saying a word, picked several flexible green twigs and, right before her eyes, wove them into a delicate yet simple bracelet. Smiling, he slipped the handmade ornament onto Mariló’s wrist. Touched by this attention, the journalist saw it as a charming gesture of hospitality—a beautiful keepsake from an unforgettable trip—and wore the bracelet without taking it off until the very end of her journey.
Imagine her surprise when, just before her flight back to Spain, that very same guide approached her at the airport and, with romantic seriousness in his voice, explained the true meaning of his gift. It turned out that in his tribe’s tradition, presenting such a bracelet made of fresh twigs was equivalent to an official marriage proposal, and accepting and wearing it signified unconditional consent. So, in the middle of the endless African savannah, unbeknownst to herself, Mariló Montero had become engaged. This revelation, shared years later, added yet another vivid and curious twist to her already eventful biography.
But the amusing anecdotes from her African journey didn’t end there. The TV host also shared a culinary mishap that had the audience laughing even harder. During the same trip, she was offered something that looked a lot like a large forest nut or an unfamiliar local fruit. Being curious and open to new experiences, she tried the exotic treat without hesitation, noting its unusual, earthy flavor. Only later did she discover that this ‘nut’ was actually an essential part of an elephant’s digestive process—a natural remedy that helps these giants digest coarse plant food.
To conclude her story, Montero touched on a more philosophical topic—travel. She admitted that despite having extensive experience exploring the world with family and friends, she always found the greatest joy and sense of peace when traveling alone. According to her, it was in those moments, far from cameras and the hustle of public life, that she felt truly comfortable and free. Such trips gave her the chance to fully immerse herself in a new culture, observe life unfiltered, and, most importantly, spend time alone with her thoughts.
For reference, María Dolores “Mariló” Montero Abaurrea is a well-known Spanish journalist and television presenter, born in 1965 in Estella, Navarra. Her television career spans decades, and she gained the most recognition as the host of the morning show “La mañana de La 1” on the main public channel TVE, which she anchored for many years. She was married for twenty years to one of Spain’s most influential radio journalists, Carlos Herrera, and their 2011 divorce was widely covered in the press. The marriage produced two children: a son, Alberto Herrera, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a journalist, and a daughter, Rocío Crusset, a successful model with an international career.
