# First Lady of Chile

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/First_Lady_of_Chile
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/First_Lady_of_Chile.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Lady_of_Chile
> Source revision: 1351034972
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Wife or partner of the president of Chile

First Lady of Chile Primera dama de Chile Flag of Chile Incumbent María Pía Adriasola since March 11, 2026 Residence La Moneda Palace Inaugural holder Mercedes Fontecilla Formation 1811 Website Official website (in Spanish)

The **first lady of Chile** ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Primera dama de Chile*) is wife of the [president of Chile](/source/President_of_Chile), who is traditionally responsible for directing and coordinating activities in the social field of the presidency and accompanying the president in ceremonies or official activities, including [state visits](/source/State_visit). Although not an official title, it is widely used in formal protocol and has been used in some decrees.[1]

## History

In [colonial times](/source/Colonial_Chile), the wives of the [royal governors](/source/Royal_Governor_of_Chile) (known also as "presidents") were called *Presidentas*. The title was still in use after Chile become a republic in the 19th century; the term, was slowly superseded by the newer *First Lady*, similar to the one used in other countries.[a]

Due to the complex evolution of the [head of state of Chile](/source/President_of_Chile) after the emancipation from Spain and the non-official character of the title, it is not possible to define who was the first first lady. Potential options include:

- [María Nicolasa Valdés](/source/Nicolasa_Vald%C3%A9s), wife of [Mateo de Toro Zambrano](/source/Mateo_de_Toro_Zambrano%2C_1st_Count_of_La_Conquista), former royal governor and first [president of the Government Junta](/source/Government_Junta_of_Chile_(1810)) (1810).

- [Mercedes Fontecilla](/source/Mercedes_Fontecilla), wife of [José Miguel Carrera](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Miguel_Carrera), first [commander-in-chief](/source/List_of_commanders-in-chief_of_the_Chilean_Army) of the [Chilean Army](/source/Chilean_Army) and president of the Provisional Government Junta (1811–1813)

- [Isabel Riquelme](/source/Isabel_Riquelme), mother of [Bernardo O'Higgins](/source/Bernardo_O'Higgins), first [supreme director of Chile](/source/Supreme_Director_of_Chile) as an independent country (1818–1823).

- [Carmen Gana](/source/Carmen_Gana_L%C3%B3pez), wife of [Manuel Blanco Encalada](/source/Manuel_Blanco_Encalada), first president of the Republic of Chile (1826).

During the 19th and early 20th century, the first lady was considered one of the most influential figures of Chilean [high society](/source/High_society_(social_class)). As the wife of the president, the first ladies fulfilled the role as hostesses of ceremonies, especially after the president moved to the [La Moneda Palace](/source/La_Moneda_Palace) in 1845, and were in charge of the decoration of the presidential residences. Also, they participated in several charities and promoted different causes: [Delfina de la Cruz](/source/Delfina_de_la_Cruz) and [Emilia Márquez de la Plata](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Emilia_M%C3%A1rquez_de_la_Plata&action=edit&redlink=1), for example, organized events to support injured veterans, orphans and widowers caused by the [War of the Pacific](/source/War_of_the_Pacific). In 1925, the First Lady had their own private office and staff, to support her role as the president of different charitable organizations created by the government.

During the 20th century, the role of the first lady increased, in line with the empowered role women had in politics and became more visible to the general public, not just for the high society. [Juana Rosa Aguirre](/source/Juana_Rosa_Aguirre), wife of [Pedro Aguirre Cerda](/source/Pedro_Aguirre_Cerda) (president between 1938 and 1941), promoted the adoption of [women's suffrage](/source/Women's_suffrage) and helped the people affected by the [1939 Chillán earthquake](/source/1939_Chill%C3%A1n_earthquake). Other foundations created by the First Ladies by the middle of the 20th century included the Ropero del Pueblo (1947–1958) and CEMA Chile (1967–1990).

At the moment, no male presidential spouse has existed. The title of [First Gentleman](/source/First_Gentleman) (*Primer Caballero*) has been proposed for this case, although colloquially the term *Primer Damo* was used to refer to Bachelet's son Sebastián Dávalos when he acted as her representative.[2]

## Vacancy

The role of the first lady has been vacant in six times, once by the death of the title holder and five times when the president has not been married. Usually in these cases, the role has been assumed by a close female relative.

- During [Bernardo O'Higgins](/source/Bernardo_O'Higgins)'s rule as Supreme Director (1818-1823), his mother [Isabel Riquelme](/source/Isabel_Riquelme) acted in ceremonies similarly to a contemporary first lady.

- During [Carlos Ibáñez del Campo](/source/Carlos_Ib%C3%A1%C3%B1ez_del_Campo)'s first presidency (1927-1931), before his marriage with [Graciela Letelier](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Graciela_Letelier&action=edit&redlink=1) in December 1927.

- During [Arturo Alessandri](/source/Arturo_Alessandri)'s second presidency (1932-1938), after his wife [Rosa Rodríguez Velasco](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rosa_Rodr%C3%ADguez_Velasco&action=edit&redlink=1) died in 1936.

- During [Jorge Alessandri](/source/Jorge_Alessandri)'s presidency (1958-1962), the role was assumed by Louise Schäffer, wife of [Sótero del Río](/source/S%C3%B3tero_del_R%C3%ADo), his minister of Interior.

- During [Michelle Bachelet](/source/Michelle_Bachelet)'s first presidency (2006-2010), the Director of the Social-Cultural Area of the Presidency was held first by former minister [Adriana Delpiano](/source/Adriana_Delpiano) and later by [María Eugenia Hirmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mar%C3%ADa_Eugenia_Hirmas&action=edit&redlink=1), wife of minister [Sergio Bitar](/source/Sergio_Bitar). During her second presidency (2014-2018), the role was held first by her son [Sebastián Dávalos](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sebasti%C3%A1n_D%C3%A1valos&action=edit&redlink=1) and later by Paula Forttes. However, the ceremonial role of First Lady was unofficially fulfilled by Bachelet's mother, [Ángela Jeria](/source/%C3%81ngela_Jeria).[3]

- During [Gabriel Boric](/source/Gabriel_Boric)'s presidency (2022-2026), the role was assumed by his girlfriend [Irina Karamanos](/source/Irina_Karamanos).[4] Boric and Karamanos announced the end of their relationship in November 2023.[5]

## Director of the Social-Cultural Area of the Presidency

Michelle Bachelet, a divorced woman, created an administrative position under her direct appointment, the *director of the social-cultural area of the presidency*, to absorb the different non-profit foundations of the presidency (*Red de Fundaciones de la Presidencia de la República*) that were traditionally managed by the first lady. The foundations included are Integra, Promoción y Desarrollo de la Mujer, Prodemu (Women's promotion and development); Fundación de la Familia; Tiempos Nuevos; [Museo Interactivo Mirador](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Museo_Interactivo_Mirador&action=edit&redlink=1); Matucana 100 Cultural Center; the Chilean Youth Orchestras; Artesanías de Chile (Arts and crafts) and Todo Chilenter.[6]

## List of first ladies

Dates Name President Parents 1810 María Nicolasa Valdés y Carrera Mateo de Toro y Zambrano y Ureta Domingo Valdés y González-Soberal and Francisca de Borja de la Carrera y Ureta 1811–1813 María Mercedes Fontecilla Valdivieso José Miguel Carrera Verdugo Diego Antonio Fontecilla Palacios and Rosa Valdivieso Portusagasti 1818–1823 Isabel Riquelme y Meza [b] Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme Simón Riquelme de la Barrera y Goycochea and María Mercedes de Meza y Ulloa 1823–1826 Manuela Caldera Ramón Freire Serrano Francisco de Paula Caldera y Fontecilla-Palacios and Micaela Mascayano Larraín 1826 Carmen Gana López Manuel Blanco Encalada Agustín Gana Darrigrande and Dolores López Guerrero 1826–1827 María Teresa de Larraín y Guzmán Agustín Manuel de Eyzaguirre y Arechavala Agustín de Larraín y Lecaros and of Ana Josefa de Guzmán Peralta y Lecaros 1827–1829 Luisa Garmendia Francisco Antonio Pinto Díaz Ignacio Garmendia y Aguirre and María Elena de Aldurralde y Villagrán 1829 Mariana de Aguirre y Boza Francisco Ramón Vicuña Larraín José Santos de Aguirre y Díez de Aséndegui and Antonia de Boza de Lima y Andía-Irarrázaval 1830–1831 Rafaela Bezanilla Bezanilla José Tomás Ovalle y Bezanilla Francisco Bezanilla y De la Bárcena y Juana Bezanilla y Abós-Padilla 1831 María del Carmen Sotomayor Elzo Fernando de Errázuriz y Martínez de Aldunate Francisco Sotomayor Serrano and María de la Concepción de Elzo y Ureta 1831–1841 Manuela Warnes José Joaquín Prieto Vial Manuel Antonio Warnes y Durango and Ana Jacoba García de Zúñiga y Lizola 1841–1851 Enriqueta Pinto Garmendia Manuel Bulnes Prieto Ex presidente Francisco Antonio Pinto and the ex-First Lady Luisa Garmendia 1851–1861 Rosario Montt Manuel Montt Torres Filiberto Montt y Prado and Luz Goyenechea Sierra. 1861–1871 Tránsito Flores [es] José Joaquín Pérez Mascayano Antonio Flores y Toro Zambrano and Micaela de la Cavareda y Trucíos 1871–1876 Eulogia Echaurren García-Huidrobro Federico Errázuriz Zañartu José Gregorio de Echaurren y Herrera and Juana García de Huidobro y Aldunate 1876–1881 Delfina de la Cruz Zañartu Anibal Pinto Garmendia José María de la Cruz Prieto and Josefa Zañartu Trujillo 1881–1886 Emilia Márquez de la Plata [es] Domingo Santa María González Fernando Márquez de la Plata Encalada [es] and María del Carmen Guzmán y Fontecilla 1886-1891 Emilia de Toro José Manuel Balmaceda Fernández Domingo José Francisco Rafael de Toro y Valdés and María Mercedes Guzmán y Lecaros 1891–1896 Leonor Frederick [es] Jorge Montt Álvarez Jonathan Frederick Winthon and Nieves Ledesma Varas 1896-1901 Gertrudis Echenique Mujica Federico Errázuriz Echaurren Juan José Echenique Bascuñán and Jesús Mujica Echaurren 1901–1906 María Errázuriz Echaurren Germán Riesco Errázuriz Ex presidente Federico Errázuriz Zañartu and the ex-First Lady Eulogia Echaurren García-Huidrobro 1906-1910 Sara del Campo Yávar Pedro Montt Montt Evaristo del Campo Madariaga and Antonia Yávar Ruiz de Cabrera 1910–1915 Mercedes Valdés Cuevas Ramón Barros Luco Francisco de Borja Valdés Aldunate and Alejandra Cuevas Avaria 1915–1920 Ana Echazarreta Pérez-Cotapos Juan Luis Sanfuentes Andonaegui Juan Manuel Echazarreta Irigoyen and Mercedes Pérez-Cotapos Recabarren 1920–1925 Rosa Rodríguez Velasco [es] Artuto Alessandri Palma José Antonio Rodríguez Velasco and Antonia Velasco Pérez-Cotapos 1925–1927 Leonor Sánchez [es] Emiliano Figueroa Larraín Teodoro Sánchez Foulkner and Teresa Vicuña Vicuña 1927–1931 Graciela Letelier [es] Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Ricardo Letelier Silva and Margarita Velasco Urzúa 1931–1932 Graciela Fehrman [es] Juan Esteban Montero Rodríguez Eduardo Fehrman Zúñiga and Adelaida Martínez Prado 1932 Herminia Arrate Carlos Dávila Espinoza Miguel Arrate Larraín and Delia Ramírez Molina 1932–1938 Rosa Rodríguez Velasco Arturo Alessandri Palma José Antonio Rodríguez Velasco and Antonia Velasco Pérez-Cotapos 1938-1941 Juana Rosa Aguirre Luco Pedro Aguirre Cerda José Joaquín Aguirre Campos and Mercedes Luco Gutiérrez 1942-1946 Marta Ide Pereira [es] Juan Antonio Ríos Morales Carlos Jorge Ide Schulz and Juana Pereira Ahuer 1946–1952 Rosa Markmann Reijer Gabriel González Videla Ladislao Markmann Villagrán and Ana Reijer Silva 1952–1958 Graciela Letelier Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Ricardo Letelier Silva and Margarita Velasco Urzúa 1958–1964 None[c] Jorge Alessandri Rodríguez 1964–1970 María Ruiz-Tagle [es] Eduardo Frei Montalva Alfredo Ruiz-Tagle Adriasola and Claudia Jiménez Pérez de Arce 1970-1973 Hortensia Bussi Soto Salvador Allende Gossens Ciro Bussi Aguilera and Mercedes Soto García 1973–1990 María Lucía Hiriart Rodríguez Augusto Pinochet Ugarte Osvaldo Hiriart Corvalán and Lucía Rodríguez Auda 1990–1994 Leonor Oyarzún Ivanovic Patricio Aylwin Azócar Manuel Oyarzún Lorca and Ana Ivanovic Roccatagliata 1994–2000 Marta Larraechea Bolívar Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle Vasco de Larraechea Herrera and Victoria Bolívar Le Fort 2000–2006 Luisa Durán de la Fuente Ricardo Lagos Escobar Hernán Durán Morales and Luisa de la Fuente Tavolara 2006–2010 None[d] Michelle Bachelet 2010–2014 Cecilia Morel Montes Sebastián Piñera Echenique Eduardo Morel Chaigneau and Paulina Montes Brunet 2014–2018 None[e] Michelle Bachelet 2018–2022 Cecilia Morel Montes Sebastián Piñera Echenique Eduardo Morel Chaigneau and Paulina Montes Brunet 2022 Irina Karamanos Adrian[f] Gabriel Boric Font Jorge Karamanos and Sabine Adrian 2022–2026 None 2026-present María Pía Adriasola José Antonio Kast Rist Fernando Adriasola Navarrete and Teresa Barroilhet Amenábar

## Footnotes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** The term *Presidenta* has been adopted in current times as the female version of *Presidente*, the title of President in Spanish (for example, when [Michelle Bachelet](/source/Michelle_Bachelet) assumed as the first female President of Chile in 2006).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** O'Higgins was single. The role of First Lady was assumed unofficially by his mother.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Alessandri was single; role was assumed by [Louise Schäffer](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Louise_Sch%C3%A4ffer&action=edit&redlink=1) [[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Sch%C3%A4ffer)], wife of minister [Sótero del Río](/source/S%C3%B3tero_del_R%C3%ADo).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Michelle Bachelet](/source/Michelle_Bachelet) was divorced. The role of First Lady was unofficially held by her mother, [Ángela Jeria](/source/%C3%81ngela_Jeria), in ceremonies. However, the role of *Director of the social-cultural area of the Presidency* was assumed by [Adriana Delpiano](/source/Adriana_Delpiano) (2006-2007) and [María Eugenia Hirmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mar%C3%ADa_Eugenia_Hirmas&action=edit&redlink=1) [[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%ADa_Eugenia_Hirmas)] (2007-2010).[6][7]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Michelle Bachelet](/source/Michelle_Bachelet) was divorced. The role of *Director of the social-cultural area of the Presidency* was assumed by her son [Sebastián Dávalos](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sebasti%C3%A1n_D%C3%A1valos&action=edit&redlink=1) [[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebasti%C3%A1n_D%C3%A1valos)] (2014-2015) and later by Paula Forttes (2015-2018).[8]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Boric and Karamanos were not married. Karamanos announced her departure from the government on December 29, 2022, while the *Presidency's Sociocultural Coordination* was dissolved two days later.[9][10]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Presidency of the Republic of Chile. ["Resolución 2059 Exenta: Aprueba disposiciones generales de participación ciudadana en la Presidencia de la República"](https://www.bcn.cl/leychile). *Library of the National Congress of Chile* (in Spanish). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160119043322/https://www.bcn.cl/leychile) from the original on 2016-01-19. Retrieved 2022-01-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** La Segunda, March 17, 2004, [Sebastián Dávalos se instaló en La Moneda y comienza a ejercer rol de «primer damo»](http://www.lasegunda.com/Noticias/Politica/2014/03/921758/sebastian-davalos-se-instala-hoy-en-la-moneda-y-comienza-a-ejercer-rol-de-primer-damo) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318061912/http://www.lasegunda.com/Noticias/Politica/2014/03/921758/sebastian-davalos-se-instala-hoy-en-la-moneda-y-comienza-a-ejercer-rol-de-primer-damo) 2014-03-18 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) (Sebastián Dávalos is working at [La Moneda](/source/La_Moneda) and begins his job as "male first lady".)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Cuando no hay primera dama, está la familia"](https://www.laverdad.es/murcia/20090510/sociedad_murcia/cuando-primera-dama-esta-20090510.html). *La Verdad*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150104005429/http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/20090510/sociedad_murcia/cuando-primera-dama-esta-20090510.html) from the original on 2015-01-04. Retrieved 2022-01-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Irina Karamanos confirmó que asumirá cargo de Primera Dama: "Es un desafío que podemos aprovechar""](https://www.pagina7.cl/notas/actualidad/2022/01/18/irina-karamanos-primera-dama-confirmacion.shtml). *Pagina 7* (in Spanish). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220118135742/https://www.pagina7.cl/notas/actualidad/2022/01/18/irina-karamanos-primera-dama-confirmacion.shtml) from the original on 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-01-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Boric, Gabriel [@gabrielboric]; (2023-11-16). ["Irina es una mujer extraordinaria, en todas las dimensiones en que se puede entender a una persona. De una curiosidad infinita por los misterios de la vida porque sobre todo tiene ganas de vivirla. Es generosa como nadie, tenga poco o mucho, siempre va a compartir porque (...)"](https://www.instagram.com/gabrielboric/p/CztpDLIOGQf/). Retrieved 2023-11-16 – via [Instagram](/source/Instagram).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Bitar_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Bitar_7-1) ["Bachelet designa a esposa de Sergio Bitar en funciones de Primera Dama"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930021018/http://www.elmostrador.cl/modulos/noticias/constructor/noticia_new.asp?id_noticia=208570). [El Mostrador](/source/El_Mostrador). 2007-01-26. Archived from [the original](http://www.elmostrador.cl/modulos/noticias/constructor/noticia_new.asp?id_noticia=208570) on September 30, 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Emol.com, [Adriana Delpiano asumirá rol que ocupaba Luisa Durán](http://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2006/03/16/213802/adriana-delpiano-asumira-rol-que-ocupaba-luisa-duran.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140522111300/http://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2006/03/16/213802/adriana-delpiano-asumira-rol-que-ocupaba-luisa-duran.html) 2014-05-22 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), 16 March 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Chilevisión, [Sebastián Dávalos Bachelet se hará cargo de siete fundaciones sin recibir sueldo](http://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/noticias/nacional/sebastian-davalos-bachelet-se-hara-cargo-de-siete-fundaciones-sin-recibir-sueldo/2014-03-17/095531.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317214635/http://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/noticias/nacional/sebastian-davalos-bachelet-se-hara-cargo-de-siete-fundaciones-sin-recibir-sueldo/2014-03-17/095531.html) 2014-03-17 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), 17 March 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Lara, Emilio (December 29, 2022). ["Irina Karamanos deja de ser coordinadora sociocultural: unidad se cierra el 31 de diciembre de 2022"](https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/chile/2022/12/29/irina-karamanos-deja-de-ser-coordinadora-sociocultural-unidad-se-cierra-el-31-de-diciembre-de-2022.shtml). *[Radio Bío-Bío](/source/Radio_B%C3%ADo-B%C3%ADo)* (in Spanish). Retrieved December 29, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Figueroa, Pía (January 8, 2023). ["Irina Karamanos and the project to remember the role of Chilean first ladies"](https://www.pressenza.com/2023/01/irina-karamanos-and-the-project-to-remember-the-role-of-chilean-first-ladies/). *Pressenza*. Retrieved December 29, 2025.

v t e Spouses of national leaders Republican leaders First ladies and gentlemen (may include non-spouses) Albania Angola Argentina Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Bangladesh Belarus Benin Botswana Bolivia Brazil list Bulgaria Cameroon Cape Verde Chile Colombia list Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Costa Rica Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Djibouti Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Ethiopia Gabon The Gambia Georgia Ghana Guatemala Guinea Guyana Haiti Honduras India Indonesia Israel Ivory Coast Kazakhstan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Lebanon Latvia Lithuania Madagascar Malawi Maldives Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Pakistan Palau Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Russia Rwanda Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Sri Lanka Suriname Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Timor-Leste Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine United States list Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Zambia Zimbabwe Spouses or companions China Estonia Finland France Germany Hong Kong Iceland Ireland Italy Philippines Singapore Soviet Union Vietnam Monarchs Andorra Bhutan Belgium Brunei Denmark Japan Jordan Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malaysia Monaco Netherlands Norway Oman Spain Sweden Tonga Thailand United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms Commonwealth governors-general Australia Canada New Zealand Heads of government Armenia Australia Belize Cambodia Canada Croatia Germany India Iran Ireland Israel Japan Malaysia Mauritius New Zealand Sweden Thailand United Kingdom

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [First Lady of Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Lady_of_Chile) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Lady_of_Chile?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.