It's no secret that Natalia Figueroa has been one of the people who have taken the most care of Raphael during his latest health issue. That's why the confessions the singer has made during one of his latest interviews didn't catch her off guard.
If we talk about the most iconic artists in the Spanish music industry, there's no doubt that Raphael's name holds an undisputed place. With a career that already spans over 60 years, the Linares native has left his mark on several generations with his unmistakable style, which is now part of our country's legacy.
Such a long and solid career seems to have no expiration date. Even though he has spent months undergoing treatment for his brain lymphoma, Natalia Figueroa's husband has made it clear that he still doesn't plan to retire from the stage.
In a recent interview with El País, Raphael spoke about this topic again with clarity: "When it's time for me to say goodbye, I'll know how to face it with dignity. But for now, that's very far away."
This statement, without a doubt, reflects his commitment to music and his desire to keep giving his best. While other big names like Julio Iglesias, Serrat, or Sabina have already said goodbye to the stage, the Linares native keeps firm with his philosophy.
Natalia Figueroa already knew all of Raphael's answers
Far from following their example, Raphael's intention is for all of them to reconsider their stance. This decision didn't catch his wife, Natalia Figueroa, off guard at all, since no one knows better than she does how much he loves his profession.
"We're not going to have another Serrat, or another Sabina, or another Julio. When I see them, I'll try to get them to change their minds and come back," the artist said during that interview.
Personally, there's no doubt that Raphael has gone through some difficult months due to treatment for a brain lymphoma. Although he has spoken little about it, this time, he was very direct in describing his experience:
"I'm spoiled... Thank God, I've gotten through everything. I haven't cried even once in these months. I'm very well taught[...]I haven't been afraid, I've been terrified, but there's something in me that makes me face it. I face it and I always come out well."
However, despite his great passion, Raphael puts Natalia Figueroa and his family as his top priority. So much so that, as he confessed, "I wasn't worried about returning to a stage. I was worried about not being able to return to my family."
"I'm more afraid of the pain I might cause them than of my own pain. If I suffer, well... I brought this on myself. But they don't have to suffer," he added.
The singer also recalled the moment that marked the beginning of this process, his appearance on the Christmas special of La Revuelta: "It was something I didn't expect. I never lost consciousness. I understood everything, but I couldn't answer them."