MAFS expert Alessandra Rampolla shares her heartbreak as she announces devastating family loss
Married At First Sight expert Alessandra Rampolla shared the heartbreaking news that her father José Antonio Rampolla Navarro has passed away.
The relationship expert made the devastating announcement on Instagram on Monday.
José Antonio passed away in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 19 at the 90 years old surrounded by his loved ones.
Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now
In a touching tribute Alessandra, 49, described José as a "beloved husband, father and grandfather".
He is survived by his wife Ginette, and their children Carla, Ricardo, Alessandra, José and Cary, as well as grandchildren Valeria, Daniela, Camila, Luke, José and Isabella.
Alessandra's father José Antonio sadly passed on May 19. Instagram @alessarampolla
José Antonio lived until he was 90. Here is pictured with Alessandra in her youth. Instagram @alessarampolla
The family asked for prayers in honour of José Antonio's soul and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, June 11, at 6:30pm at the San Ignacio de Loyola Parish in San Juan.
'You will always be in our hearts - rest in peace,' the family said in a statement.
Alessandra is yet to to share a formal statement of her own.
READ MORE: MAFS' Nic Jovanovic marries partner Alex Caldwell in stunning garden ceremony
Alessandra has shared on her social media how close she is with both parents. Instagram @alessarampolla
José Antonio passed away in San Juan, Puerto Rico Instagram @alessarampolla
Alessandra first joined Married At First Sight in 2021, bringing over 20 years' experience as a certified clinical sexologist from Puerto Rico.
The expert said she didn't originally plan for a career in the media.
"Originally, my idea was to have a private practice, but my priorities changed and I ended up going on a morning show in my hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, because they needed someone in the lead-up to Valentine's Day 2001 to talk about sex topics," Alessandra previously told 9Entertainment.
READ MORE: MAFS' Michael Brunelli makes heartbreaking admission as he reflects on fatherhood
"Within a year I was writing for newspapers, two different radio shows, and the next year I started working in television in Latin America for Cosmopolitan's TV network.
"It was not what I expected, but the show was a huge success and it covered so many countries that I was suddenly travelling all over the place."
José Antonio was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. Instagram @alessarampolla
Alessandra previously shared these throwback photos of her and her father. Instagram @alessarampolla
For the past five years, Alessandra has been a staple on the MAFS expert lounge and has helped dozens of MAFS couples with relationships and emotional and physical intimacy.
Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest news from your favourite shows via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
