Santos, 93 years old, was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo on July 18 to recover from H1N1, an illness caused by a mutation of the flu virus. He was discharged two days later and was hospitalized again on August 1 to undergo imaging tests.

Although he never officially announced his retirement, he was off filming since September 2022.

“He will always be remembered as Silvio Santos, the face and voice of Sundays for millions of Brazilian men and women, loved by his “co-workers”, as he affectionately called viewers,” Lula wrote on the social network X.

He indicated that, with his talent and charisma, he launched and supported many talents in television, humor, and journalism.

“He was one of the best-known and loved people in our country. Over the years, we met in television programs, meetings, and conversations, always with respect and affection. His departure leaves a void in Brazilian television and marks the end of an era in the country’s communication”, the president said.

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