8 months ago
First Miss Universe from Brazil Dies at 80
Ieda Maria Vargas, who was the first woman from Brazil to win the Miss Universe title in 1963, has passed away at the age of 80.
She died on December 22, 2025, in Gramado, Brazil.
Ieda was born in Porto Alegre and started her journey in beauty pageants at a young age.
After winning Miss Universe, she moved to the US to work as a model.
Later, she returned to Brazil, got married, and had two children.
She also worked as a businesswoman, art curator, and television presenter.
The Miss Universe Organization has paid tribute to her, remembering her grace and pioneering spirit.
Ieda Maria Vargas, the first Miss Universe from Brazil, died on December 22, 2025, at the age of 80.
She was admitted to Hospital Arcanjo Sao Miguel in Gramado, and the cause of her death is unknown.
Ieda won the Miss Universe title in 1963 at the age of 18, becoming the first Brazilian to do so.
After her win, she moved to the US to work as a model and later returned to Brazil to pursue various careers.
She was married to businessman Jose Carlos Athansio and had two children, Enzo and Fernanda.
- Who
- Ieda Maria Vargas, the first Miss Universe from Brazil
- What
- Her death at the age of 80
- Where
- Gramado, Brazil
- When
- December 22, 2025
- Why
- Cause of death remains unknown
Key facts
- Name
- Ieda Maria Vargas
- Age at Death
- 80
- Date of Death
- December 22, 2025
- Place of Death
- Gramado, Brazil
- Miss Universe Title Year
- 1963
- Birthplace
- Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Occupations
- Model, Businesswoman, Art Curator, Television Presenter
- Spouse
- Jose Carlos Athansio (deceased)
- Children
- Enzo and Fernanda Vargas
Quotes
Miss Universe Organization
Organization responsible for the Miss Universe pageant
“The Miss Universe Organization extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all who were touched by the life of Iêda Maria Vargas, Miss Universe 1963.”
NDTV
“As the first woman from Brazil to hold the Miss Universe crown, her grace and pioneering spirit left an indelible mark on our history. May her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”
NDTV
Ieda Maria Vargas
First Miss Universe from Brazil, winner of the 1963 Miss Universe pageant
“I was not prepared, but the serenity helped me. I never thought I would win.”
NDTV
