Iwalani Rodríguez was the wife of Puerto Rican professional golfer Chi-Chi Rodríguez, a celebrated figure in the world of golf.
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Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1937 to Charles and Mildred, Iwalani was a native of Hawaii who passed away in 2021. She was the beloved wife of Chi-Chi for 56 years.
Before her marriage, Iwalani had a vibrant life of her own. In 1957, she was the runner-up for the title of Miss Hawaii and was a skilled Pau rider and a member of the Hula Hall of Fame.
She was also a professional hula dancer and model. Iwalani met Chi-Chi in San Juan, Puerto Rico, when she was performing with a Polynesian dance troupe in a show called “Barefoot in Paradise.” Chi-Chi fell in love with her at first sight.
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Throughout her life, Iwalani cherished the ocean, dancing, flowers, and her dear Shih Tzu, Mewlan. She was also the mother to her daughter, Donnette Rodríguez, from a previous marriage, whom Chi-Chi embraced as his own.
Juan “Chi-Chi” Rodríguez passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the age of 88. His death was announced by Carmelo Javier Ríos, a senator from his native Puerto Rico, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
Rodríguez is survived by his daughter, Donnette Markham, along with his brothers Jesus and Julio, and his sisters Juanita, Carmen, and Maria.
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