Former Miss Universe Ieda Maria Vargas has died at age 80, just days before her 81st birthday. Vargas made history in 1963 as the first Brazilian contestant to win the international pageant, a milestone that reshaped Brazilâs place on the global stage.
An official statement shared on Vargasâ Instagram page confirmed that she died on Monday, December 22. She would have turned 81 on December 31.
A Historic First for Brazil in 1963
Vargasâ Miss Universe victory in 1963 marked a defining moment for Brazil in international pageantry. Her win was widely seen as a breakthrough that expanded global perceptions of Brazilian women and their cultural influence.
At the time, Vargasâ triumph placed Brazil at the center of the pageant world and helped redefine what representation on the Miss Universe stage could look like for future generations.
Family Shares Emotional Tribute
In an Instagram announcement, Vargasâ family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
âAt this moment of immense pain, we thank all the manifestations of affection, respect, and solidarity received. Ieda was a woman of light, who marked the history and lives of many people, leaving a legacy of love, joy, and inspiration,â the caption read, as translated into English.
Her daughter, Fernanda Vargas, also shared a heartfelt message in the comments.
âMy partner, wonderful mother, fought like a warrior ð â¤ï¸ I love you,â Fernanda wrote in Portuguese. She added on her Instagram Stories, âThank you for giving me the honor of living all this time by your side.â
Details about Vargasâ cause and manner of death have not yet been confirmed.
Brazil Honors a Cultural Trailblazer
The Brazilian pageant organization confirmed Vargasâ death in a tribute shared on social media, honoring her as a foundational figure in the countryâs pageant history.
âIeda opened ways when there were no references yet. In 1963, she put Brazil at the center of the world and showed that our women had a voice, presence, and power to go beyond the stage,â the official Miss Universe Brazil Instagram wrote in Portuguese.
âShe changed perspectives, inspired generations, and helped build what we know today as Miss Universe.â
Miss Universe Organization Pays Respects
The Miss Universe Organization also acknowledged Vargasâ passing, sharing a message of sympathy in the comments of the tribute post.
The organization extended âits deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all who were touched by the life of Iêda Maria Vargas, Miss Universe 1963.â
âMay her legacy continue to inspire generations to come,â the statement added, punctuated with a heart and dove emoji.
The Miss Universe Organization later shared footage of Vargasâ historic crowning in a commemorative post on X, honoring a titleholder whose influence continues to resonate more than six decades after her groundbreaking win.
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