Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, inspiration for Disney and Pixar's Mama Coco, passes away

Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, the inspiration for Disney and Pixar’s Mama Coco, has passed away. According to an E! Online report, she was 109 years old.

The sad news was announced on Twitter by Roberto Monroy, the Secretary of Tourism for the Mexican state of Michoacan.

“I deeply regret the death of Doña Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, ‘Mama Coco,’ a tireless woman and example of life, who was the inspiration for this beloved character who went around the world," he wrote in Spanish.

“My prayers for [her] rest and for [her] family to find resignation,” Monroy added.

Lamento profundamente el fallecimiento de Doña María Salud Ramírez Caballero, “Mamá Coco”, mujer incansable y ejemplo de vida, quien fuera inspiración para este amado personaje que dio la vuelta al mundo. Mis oraciones para su descanso y para que su familia encuentre resignación

— ROBERTO MONROY G (@robertomonroy1) October 16, 2022

Released in 2017,  “Coco” is an animated movie that centers on Mexico’s Day of the Dead Traditions.

Though Disney and Pixar did not confirm that Caballero is the inspiration behind Mama Coco, the E! Online report said both studios revealed having talked to her family during the filming process.

Among Caballero’s similarities to the well-loved character is her appearance. — LA, GMA News