Just like promised, she did not cry. Surrounded by family, friends and producers, Cristina Saralegui said goodbye after 21 years on the air with her namesake Univision show.
Mexican actor Fernando Colunga was the special host for this last program, where even the guests and audience members were unknown to Cristina until the very last minute.
The Cuban-American "Spanish Oprah" said several times that "I'm not retiring" and "there's going to be Cristina for a while." Fellow TV personalityDon Francisco, who gave Cristina her very first break on TV, stressed the contributions she has brought to Spanis language television in the United States.
"You went far and beyond what I imagined, you were able to break molds, to break out a type of show that did not exist in Spanish language television" said the vet TV host.
Univision newscasters Jorge Ramos and María Elena Salinas also had kind words for Cristina and thanked her for her friendship and support. "You're one of those wise souls who doesn't judge, and that's why people trust you and share things with you...when no one wanted to talk about homosexuality, you were doing it, when no one wanted to talk about undocumented immigrants or injustices, your show was the forum to say things" said Jorge Ramos via a recorded video, since he was not able to attend the taping of the show.
"I know this is not a 'goodbye' but a 'see you soon,' and just like you say 'pa' alante' [moving forward]" added María Elena Salinas. Mexican actor Jorge Salinas also thanked Cristina for supporting his career and hugged her emotionally saying "Thank you for everything you've done in my life."
Cristina's daughter Titi Menéndez, who is pregnant, said crying 'We can feel the love here." Cristina ended by saying "I'm not retiring, there's going to be Cristina for a while."
WATCH A VIDEO OF THE FINAL SHOW
>>SOME OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF 'EL SHOW DE CRISTINA'
Cristina Saralegui, known as the Oprah of Latino TV, is a good friend of Latin celebrities. Check out the gallery >>
Courtesy El Show de Cristina
Cristina Saralegui
Shakira
Since the beginning of her career and barely known in the US, Shakira has always stopped by 'El Show de Cristina' to promote her albums. Cristina and the Colombian superstar are good friends.
Univision news anchor Jorge Ramos rarely talks about his private life, and even less about his relationship with sexy actress Ana de la Reguera. But he did so with Cristina, The couple are good friends with the legendary TV host.
Another longtime friend of Cristina, Fernando Colunga even calls her Mami ("mommy").The Mexican actor hosted the last ever El Show de Cristina, which will air in November.
The "Diva of Banda" recently invited Cristina for dinner at her Los Angeles mansion, preparing one of the TV host's favorite dishes: rice and friend eggs. Here, Jenni Rivera in a special live performance at the show.
Cristina Saralegui was the Oprah of Latino TV. Check out the gallery.
Courtesy El Show de Cristina
Cristinas show
Cristina Saralegui made her debut in Univision in 1989 with 'El Show de Cristina.' The show celebrated 21 years on the air this year. The last program will air this November.
Cristina's show originally aired Monday through Friday at 4pm (ET). Besides celebrity exclusive, some of its most popular segments were 'Reencuentros Familiares' ('Family Reunions'), 'Sueños Hechos Realidad' ('Dreams Come True'), and 'Amores Cibernéticos' ('Cyber Love').
Cristina's journalistic work goes beyond celebrity gossip: some episodes of the show were devoted to trafficking of children, organ smuggling, sexual and labor abuse of minors, among others. 'El Show de Cristina' was one of the first shows on Spanish-language TV in the US to openly tackle issues such as homosexuality.
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5 05 11
By p Ch
Me parece muy bien que ella bulva ala tv ispana.
En hora buena
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