In July last year, Ronna Keitt, widow of the renowned Spanish doctor Papuchi, made a public appearance for the first time in twenty years since his death. Her return sparked a wave of discussion, as their relationship had always been a subject of fascination and debate. In the early 1990s, fate brought Ronna and Papuchi together in Madrid, where a spark ignited between them despite nearly a fifty-year age difference. Their union surprised many, but the couple paid no attention to public opinion, soon married, and later had two children.
Ronna has often said that age was never a barrier for her. According to her, Papuchi was not only sharp-minded but also had a unique sense of humor that won her heart. She recalled that he was a man ahead of his time, always able to maintain a conversation on any topic. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and trust, allowing them to create a strong family despite stereotypes.
After Papuchi’s death, Ronna decided to move with her children to Jacksonville, Florida. This step was motivated by her desire to shield them from excessive media attention and give them the chance to grow up in a calm environment. Despite the relocation, the family maintained ties with Spain, regularly visiting relatives and preserving their traditions.
Daughter’s voice
Recently, the couple’s youngest daughter, 19-year-old Ruth Iglesias, decided to share her family’s personal story on social media. In a series of short videos, she talked about how her parents met and why their relationship was unique. Ruth emphasized that her mother was well-educated and an independent woman when she met Papuchi. She firmly rejected rumors that Ronna was supposedly poor or desperately seeking salvation through marriage to an older man.
According to Ruth, her parents were drawn together by genuine affection, not material interests. She compared her family to the characters in the popular series ‘Modern Family,’ where unconventional relationships become a source of inspiration and support. Ruth noted that her father always looked after the family’s well-being and ensured they had everything they needed for the future.
Family values
Ruth also shared that after Papuchi’s death, her mother tried to maintain an atmosphere of comfort and security for the children. Moving to the United States gave them a chance to start a new life, while still remembering their roots. The family often returned to Spain to keep in touch with their homeland and loved ones.
In her posts, Ruth tries to dispel myths surrounding her parents. She believes their story is proof that love can overcome any prejudice. She is openly proud of her family and feels their experience can inspire others not to be afraid of going against public opinion.
Life after change
Today, Ruth continues to share memories from her childhood and talks about how her family coped with challenges. She notes that despite moving and all the changes, they always remained close-knit. For her, it’s important that people know the truth about her parents and don’t judge them by stereotypes.
The story of Ronna Keitt and Papuchi is not just about an unusual marriage, but also an example of how dignity and love can be preserved in any circumstances. Their daughter is convinced that true feelings don’t depend on age or public opinion.
In case you didn’t know, Papuchi, whose real name was Julio Iglesias Puga, was a renowned Spanish gynecologist and the father of singer Julio Iglesias. His marriage to Ronna Keitt became one of the most talked-about topics in Spanish society columns in the 1990s. After Papuchi’s death, his family chose a private life away from the press. Ruth Iglesias, their youngest daughter, is very active on social media and often talks about her family’s life, dispelling myths and maintaining ties to Spanish culture.
