The recent release of Isabel Preysler’s memoir, “My True Story,” has caused a sensation, becoming the main publishing event of the fall. In the book, the socialite not only delves into memories of her past, from her childhood in Manila to her breakup with Mario Vargas Llosa, but also offers a glimpse into her future plans. Despite being 75 years old, Preysler is in great shape and clearly has no intention of stepping away from the public life that earned her the title of “queen of hearts.”
However, her eldest daughter, Chábeli Iglesias, has her own vision for her mother’s future. She has developed a detailed plan to move Isabel to the United States, which would mean saying goodbye to the luxurious mansion in Madrid’s exclusive Puerta de Hierro district. This move would also distance her from her daughter Tamara Falcó, who lives in Spain, and Ana Boyer, who resides in Qatar but often visits home. In contrast, three of her older children live in the US: Chábeli herself, Enrique Iglesias, and Julio José.
Chábeli’s plan is meticulous and reflects her deep care. She has already begun renovating her home in North Carolina, aiming to make it as comfortable as possible for her mother. The main idea is to have all living spaces on one floor. That way, Isabel won’t have to use stairs should she face mobility issues in the future. This forward-thinking decision highlights just how seriously Chábeli approaches her mother’s well-being.
Her daughter’s care extends beyond just making everyday life comfortable. Chábeli has also thought through ways to keep her mother entertained so she won’t feel lonely in her new surroundings. According to her plan, Isabel could join the local country club and play cards with elderly ladies from the neighborhood. Preysler herself reportedly finds these ideas amusing and considers them unlikely, but doesn’t dismiss them outright. She sees these plans as a touching sign of her daughter’s affection, who, after an unsuccessful marriage to the son of a famous architect, has found happiness with entrepreneur Cristian Altaba.
Despite all the preparations and persuasion, the final decision rests with Isabel Preysler herself. Her recent television appearance and the phenomenal success of her book, which reached number one in Amazon sales, prove that her popularity in Spain remains undiminished. She still draws enormous public interest, and only she can decide where to spend her ‘retirement’—in her familiar Madrid mansion or in the cozy home her daughter is lovingly preparing for her across the ocean.
