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More than three decades after the devastating accident that nearly ended her life, Gloria Estefan revealed that the experience reshaped her voice, her perspective, and her career.
In her exclusive tell-all with PEOPLE, the veteran songstress reflected on her 50-year music journey and opened up about how the 1990 bus crash influenced everything that followed.
“Especially after my accident, I think that was my biggest lesson. Not that I changed who I was because I'm still the same person, but just the enjoyment factor, the connection factor, the appreciation, and gratitude — it came out in my voice.”
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She went on:
“It gave me free rein. I wouldn't want to go through it again, but I wouldn't change it.”
On March 20, 1990, a semi-truck collided with her tour bus during a snowstorm in Pennsylvania. Gloria Estefan, who was sleeping at the time, suffered a broken back. She previously described the pain as “excruciating.”
“I remember thinking, 'Maybe this is the reason that I've gone through this; maybe I can be an example to people of how to take control of our lives and get past hurdles.’”
When asked what she would tell her younger self today, the “Anything For You” hitmaker kept it simple:
“Be in the moment.”
She further shared:
“Don't worry about anything else. Because time goes by so quickly, and a lot of my life is a blur,”
Estefan added that the speed of her career often felt overwhelming.
“A lot of the times I was just hanging on for dear life. So I would say 'Chillax, girl. Nothing is that important. Just be there, and enjoy the music... And don't worry about being perfect.”
"Very personal love story": Gloria Estefan unveils new album Raíces in collaboration with husband Emilio
Gloria Estefan released Raíces—Spanish for “roots”—her newest studio album, on May 29. The project was penned primarily by her longtime collaborator and husband, Emilio Estefan.
“It's a very personal love story. There's a lot of love songs. In fact, Emilio said to me, 'Oh, I wrote you a love song.' I go, 'Babe, you're going to sing it?' He goes, 'No, you're going to sing it for me.' I go, 'You wrote your own love song? I love that.’”
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As for the album’s message, Estefan shared:
“Raíces reminds us that we all are where we came from, and those people that nurtured us and loved us will always be with us. Our culture is important to celebrate... It makes us who we are.”
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