The emotional farewell of José Manuel Parada to Mari Carmen: "How alone your dolls are left, dear and unforgettable friend"

The ventriloquist from Cuenca María del Carmen Martínez-Villaseñor, better known as Mari Carmen and her dolls, died on June 15 after suffering an accidental fall in Tenerife at the age of 80.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
15 June 2023 Thursday 10:54
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The emotional farewell of José Manuel Parada to Mari Carmen: "How alone your dolls are left, dear and unforgettable friend"

The ventriloquist from Cuenca María del Carmen Martínez-Villaseñor, better known as Mari Carmen and her dolls, died on June 15 after suffering an accidental fall in Tenerife at the age of 80. A dramatic event that her relatives, the public and her most media friends have lamented, who have not been slow to remember the artist and send her condolences through social networks.

One of his closest friends, José Manuel Parada, did not want to go without paying a small tribute to what was his great friend. The presenter shared a heartfelt message through her Instagram account in which he regretted not having been able to visit her in what unfortunately have been the last days of her life, despite having recently been to the Canary Islands.

"My very dear Mari Carmen, how alone your dolls are left", begins by saying the presenter, who also laments the loneliness of the much-loved son of the ventriloquist, Miguel Almanzor, whom the artist considered her "soul mate".

"We will all miss you. I am very much. What a pleasure to have worked with you and what a shame not to have been able to see each other in the Canary Islands this Saturday when I was recording a TV show on the island next to yours," he laments, before sending "kisses to the darling". Parada asks her friend "don't forget me either", as he won't either. Devastated, he adds that "I only have the consolation that you left without suffering."

A heartbreaking message from one of the comedian's closest friends, who leaves "orphans" not only Doña Rogelia, Nícol the duck, Daisy the foul-mouthed or Rodolfo the lion; but to millions of viewers who cried with laughter at her performances.

The presenter also regretted having missed the comedian's 80th birthday on May 5, a party he was unable to attend after having undergone a delicate surgical operation in the capital that prevented him from traveling to Tenerife to celebrate at the party organized by his friend with her closest friends.

"I promised you I wouldn't miss it," said Parada, "but I'm with you, Carmela," he assured, "and with Doña Rogelia, Daisy, Rodolfo, Nicol, all your friends, and with your son, who is so dear to my heart. As soon as I get out without We are certainly going to celebrate. That for many years we can still keep each other company," he said, unable to imagine that it would be the last time.

The humorist moved to Tenerife after a trip, in which she fell in love with the archipelago and decided to make the Canaries her home. Before turning 80, she was very active, giving interviews and making the odd public appearance from time to time. In addition, she was writing her last book of hers, a memoir in which she intended to tell her life as she knew best: making people laugh.

Loved by all, she always maintained an impeccable relationship with the press and was highly respected by her fellow professionals. Mari Carmen became one of the most important faces of national humor, and she was a constant presence in practically all show and variety programs since the mid-70s, such as Saturday night, among others.

In addition, the comedian was a regular collaborator of the journalist Luis del Olmo and presenter of the most relevant humor spaces of the 90s, such as Five Star Humor (1991-1992), on Telecinco or Ay, vida mía (1992-1993), on TVE , together with José Manuel Parada, where their great friendship was forged.