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Marta Sahagún
Marta sahagun de fox.jpg
First Lady of Mexico
In role
2 July 2001 – 30 November 2006
President Vicente Fox
Preceded by Nilda Patricia Velasco
Succeeded by Margarita Zavala
Personal details
Born Marta María Sahagún Jiménez
(1953-04-10) April 10, 1953 (age 72)
Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico
Political party National Action Party
Spouse(s)
Manuel Bribiesca Godoy
(m. 1971; div. 2000)
(m. 2001)
Children Fernando Bribiesca Sahagún
Jorge Alberto Godoy
Manuel Godoy

Marta Sahagún, born Marta María Sahagún Jiménez on April 10, 1953, became the First Lady of Mexico on July 2, 2001. She held this important role until November 30, 2006, when her husband, Vicente Fox, finished his time as President. Marta Sahagún was known for being very active and speaking her mind during her time as First Lady.

Early Life and Career

Growing Up in Mexico

Marta Sahagún was born in Zamora, Michoacán, a city in Mexico. She was the second of six children in her family. Her father, Dr. Alberto Sahagún de la Parra, was a doctor who started a hospital and a nursing school in Zamora. Her mother was Ana Teresa Jiménez Vargas.

Teaching and First Business

For some years, Marta Sahagún worked as an English teacher at a university called Universidad Lasallista Benavente. She later married Manuel Bribiesca Godoy, a veterinarian. Together, they ran a business that sold supplies for veterinarians in Celaya, Guanajuato. Marta and Manuel had three children: Manuel, Jorge Alberto, and Fernando. They separated in 1998 and later divorced in 2000.

Political Journey

Joining the National Action Party

Marta Sahagún has been an active member of the National Action Party, a political group in Mexico, since 1988. She once ran for mayor of Celaya but did not win. During her political work, she met Vicente Fox.

Working with Vicente Fox

Vicente Fox chose Marta Sahagún to be his spokeswoman when he was the governor of Guanajuato. She continued to work as his press secretary during his campaign to become president. After he won, she stayed in this role for his first year in office. Marta Sahagún and Vicente Fox got married in 2001.

Vamos México Foundation

In September 2001, Marta Sahagún started a foundation called Vamos México, which means "Let's Go Mexico." The main goal of this foundation was to help people in Mexico who were facing difficulties. It also supported other organizations.

The foundation held a special concert with Elton John at Chapultepec Castle to celebrate its start. Vamos México aimed to make a positive difference in the lives of many people across the country.

Stepping Back from Politics

Even though some people thought Marta Sahagún might want to run for president herself, she announced in 2004 that she would not be a candidate. She decided to retire to the ranch she shared with her husband. She also said that Mexico was ready to have a woman as president.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Marta Sahagún para niños

  • List of first ladies of Mexico
  • Politics of Mexico
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