SANTIAGO, Chile -

José Mujica, the beloved former president of Uruguay and a revered figure in Latin American politics, has made a heartbreaking announcement regarding his health. In a candid interview, Mujica disclosed that the esophageal cancer he has battled has now spread to his liver, prompting him to choose to stop all treatment.

In what he described as his final interview, Mujica told the Uruguayan news magazine Busqueda, "Honestly, I am dying." The 89-year-old politician, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, struggled to hold back tears as he conveyed his farewell message, stating, "What I ask is that they leave me alone. Don’t ask me for more interviews or anything else. My cycle is over."

Known affectionately as “Pepe” Mujica, he first became prominent in politics as a leader of the Tupamaros, a leftist guerrilla group inspired by the Cuban revolution. During his presidency, Mujica gained a reputation for his progressive policies, legalizing same-sex marriage, abortion, and recreational marijuana, thus transforming Uruguay into one of the most socially liberal democracies in the region. His down-to-earth lifestyle, which included living in a humble farmhouse rather than the presidential palace and donating most of his salary to charity, captured the hearts of many around the world.

Mujica had previously announced in April 2023 that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. After undergoing radiation therapy, there was hope when doctors reported last September that his cancer seemed to be in remission. Despite the exhausting treatment, Mujica returned to the political arena, actively supporting the left-wing Broad Front during last year’s national elections, where his protégé, Yamandú Orsi, won the presidency.

Regrettably, Mujica's health took a turn for the worse as additional medical issues, including kidney disease, emerged. In the interview, he explained, “I’m an old man, and because I have two chronic illnesses, my body cannot handle it.”

His personal physician, Raquel Pannone, provided insights during a news conference, stating that treatment options were limited due to Mujica’s existing health conditions. While she refrained from disclosing a prognosis, she emphasized his need for tranquility during this challenging time.

Even after his retirement from active politics in 2020, Mujica remained an influential figure within the Broad Front and is still regarded as one of the most popular politicians in Uruguay. He shared his intentions to spend his remaining days farming outside of Montevideo with his wife, tending to their cherished chrysanthemums.

In his last statement to the public, Mujica expressed his desire to say goodbye to his fellow countrymen, showing genuine affection for the people of Uruguay. Support from fans and admirers poured in across social media, with messages of love and admiration flooding in from leftists across Latin America.

As he reflected on life, Mujica, always the philosopher, urged others to prioritize happiness over wealth: "Life is a beautiful adventure and a miracle. We are too focused on wealth and not on happiness. We are focused only on doing things and, before you know it, life has passed you by."

Mujica's health battle serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who have inspired millions. His legacy, marked by compassion, simplicity, and unwavering dedication to his ideals, will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.