Actress Whoopi Goldberg has praised the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of Celia Cruz, highlighting the profound impact the "Queen of Salsa" had on multiple generations in the United States. "I always wanted to be like her," Goldberg expressed during the "Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz" event.
Goldberg explained that she had never encountered a woman like the Cuban icon, who "gave her so much when she was young." "I had never seen anyone like her, someone who looked like her, who didn’t care about what people thought of her. She didn’t care if others understood; what she wanted to do was give, and everything she gave, I received," Goldberg affirmed.
She recounted being "stunned" when she finally met Celia, unsure of how to react to such a magnificent woman. "Nothing made her feel bad, and that's how I wanted to be," she said. In her story, Goldberg shared that when she finally met Cruz, she told her, "I want to be like you," to which the Cuban singer responded in Spanish, "No, be you. Be the best you, because that's where the power is. When you're your best version, no one can withstand that."
The family of the legendary Cuban singer expressed their gratitude to the actress and comedian for her heartfelt words during the celebration. Whoopi's tribute, portraying Celia as a symbol of empowerment and authenticity, deeply moved those attending the event, as they gathered to remember and honor the life and legacy of one of Latin music's most influential figures.
In September 2020, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Goldberg once again praised Celia's legacy. Her admiration for the Cuban singer has been long-standing. In a 2003 interview with the New York Post, shortly after Celia's passing, Goldberg shared how special Cruz had been to her since her youth, explaining the reasons behind her deep admiration.
Since August, a commemorative coin featuring the image of the iconic Cuban singer Celia Cruz (1925-2003) has been officially circulating in the United States. This is part of the American Women Quarters 2024 program, through which the government recognizes five illustrious female personalities in the nation.