Beloved Cuban Entertainer Paloma Dietrich Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Love

The passing of “Paloma Dietrich”, a well-known and beloved Cuban transformist with over 35 years of artistic career, has left a wave of sorrow and shock among her friends and close ones in Havana this weekend.

Dietrich, also known as “The Empress” and “The Grand Lady,” succumbed to a kidney ailment she could not overcome. A Facebook post by Amed Corzo Amorós on July 9th sought help for Paloma, not financial aid but medical assistance. A subsequent post on July 10th thanked friends and followers for their concern and clarified that she had been admitted to a hospital in Havana. Despite the efforts, Paloma Dietrich, who earned the affection and respect of the transformist community in Cuba over three decades, could not defeat her illness.

Her close ones held a vigil for the cherished artist at the funeral home on Calzada and K in Havana's Vedado neighborhood. In recent hours, numerous social media posts have highlighted the affection and admiration Paloma inspired.

“Today, one of the Great Divas of Cuban Transformism, Paloma Dietrich, passed away in Havana. I had the honor of sharing words and interviewing her in 2016. Her art left many in awe when they saw ‘The Grand Lady,’ as I called her during our meeting,” wrote journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on social media. “Today, I weep for her departure to immortality, but all of us who love you will remember you as you are, ‘The Grand Lady of Cuban Transformism,’” added the popular communicator from Santiago de Cuba.

“I will always remember you this way. Life plays us bad tricks. I never imagined this would happen. You know how much I love you and how deeply it hurts to never see you again. That’s why I hold on to these memories of so many joyful moments. I hold on to your teachings, your craziness, and occurrences,” wrote an internet user identified as "Julio Ong," residing outside the country. “With a lump in my throat and a broken heart, I say my last goodbye to you, my friend, my sister, my mother. Though I'm far away, I was present at all times. It hurts not to be able to see you and enjoy your craziness. I will miss you greatly, my Paloma Dietrich,” Julio Ong wrote in another heartfelt post.

“The loss of a loved one plunges us into a torrent of emotions, where pain and longing intertwine with the most cherished memories. In these difficult times, words become a balm that embraces the heart, offering comfort and strength to those navigating the path of grief,” wrote Concha La Cubanísima Aranxtha del Sol from the United States on Facebook. “Although you are no longer physically present, your legacy will live on in our lives. Your physical absence does not dim the brightness of your soul in our hearts. The echo of your laughter and the warmth of your embrace linger in our memories,” she added.

The overwhelming number of farewell and admiration messages that have flooded social media in the past hours highlights the impact of Paloma Dietrich’s passing.

In an interview that has been revisited in a heartfelt audiovisual tribute following her death, Paloma said, “I would tell everyone that we are human beings, with or without flaws. For me, it’s not a flaw. I am a human being with feelings, flesh, and bone. I am not a doll. I like to be treated for what I am, a person.” She continued, “I would like to be an artist recognized by people, for them to know who I am, to know that I exist, what I do, to know that they like my work. That is the greatest dream of my life.” Judging by the many who remember her today, it is clear that her dream came true.