Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, the first wife of Brazilian football icon Pelé, has always been a mysterious and enigmatic figure. Though the couple had a tumultuous marriage and eventually divorced, her name remains synonymous with the legendary footballer. This blog post delves into the life of this fascinating woman, exploring her background, her relationship with Pelé, and the events that led to their eventual separation.

Who is Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi? 

Born in 1942 in Brazil, Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi is currently around 81 years old. Despite her association with one of the most famous athletes in history, little information is available about her early life and upbringing. Nevertheless, she rose to prominence when she married Pelé in 1966 when he was 26 years old.

Background and Early Life

The details of Rosemeri’s early life remain a mystery, as there is limited information about her family background and upbringing. She first met Pelé in Santos, Brazil, where the footballer, known for his shy demeanour, befriended her father. The couple maintained a low-profile relationship, eventually tying the knot in 1966.

Unfortunately, there is no public information about Rosemeri’s parents and siblings. Her life before meeting Pelé and becoming his wife remains largely unknown, adding to the enigmatic persona she has cultivated over the years.

Marriage To Pelé

Rosemeri and Pelé initially enjoyed a happy marriage, with Rosemeri describing her husband as attentive and well-balanced between his family and football commitments. However, their relationship took a turn for the worse when the couple moved to New York City in 1975. Pelé’s burgeoning popularity and numerous commercial deals put a strain on their marriage.

Pelé’s multiple infidelities were another major factor in the couple’s eventual divorce in 1982. The football legend admitted in his Netflix documentary that he struggled with remaining faithful, given the abundance of women who vied for his attention. These affairs led to the birth of several more children, further complicating their relationship.

Despite their tumultuous marriage, Rosemary and Pelé had three children together: a son, Edinho, and two daughters, Jennifer Nascimento and Kelly Cristina Nascimento. Pelé has also fathered twins, Celeste Nascimento and Joshua Nascimento, with his second ex-wife, Assyria Nascimento, and another daughter, Flavia Kurtz, from his relationship with Lenita Kurtz.

Children From The Marriage

Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi and Pelé had three children together during their 16-year marriage. Their first child, daughter Kelly Cristina, was born in 1967, just a year after the couple tied the knot. Son Edson, nicknamed Edinho, arrived in 1970. He went on to become a professional goalkeeper.

Their youngest, daughter Jennifer, was born in 1978. Pelé adored his children. Even with the demands of being an international soccer superstar, he made time for his family in those early years. “I may have been unfaithful to my wife,” he wrote in his autobiography, “but I was never unfaithful to my children.” Edinho in particular shared his father’s love of football from a young age.

However, Pelé’s busy schedule, frequent travelling, and infidelities began to take a toll on the marriage. Rosemeri increasingly had to raise the children on her own. As the 1970s progressed, cracks started to form in the relationship. But the arrival of baby Jennifer in 1978 brought the family together again, at least for a time.

Divorce From Pelé

In 1982, after 16 years of marriage, Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi and Pelé divorced. The split was a result of Pelé’s repeated extramarital affairs, which had become something of an open secret. For Rosemary, the end of the marriage brought heartbreak but also a chance for a fresh start. She had sacrificed much of herself to support Pelé’s career and fame.

Now, she could focus on her own life and raising their children. While details of the divorce settlement aren’t public, it’s believed Rosemeri received a significant sum. Pelé’s infidelity was well-documented, strengthening her case. In a 2020 interview, son Edinho said that both his parents handled the divorce with maturity, despite the pain. “They were very wise in the way they dealt with their separation,” he recalled. “There was no fighting, no exchanges of offence.” The kids remained close to both parents.

Private Life After Divorce

Following her 1982 divorce from Pelé, Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi largely retreated from the public eye. She focused on being a single mother to Kelly, Edinho, and Jennifer, who were 15, 12 and 4 when the marriage ended. Raising them was now her priority little is known about Rosemeri’s life post-divorce. She never remarried and rarely spoke to the press.

Fiercely private, she preferred to stay out of the spotlight that continued to follow Pelé. Her children also remained quite protective of their mother over the years. Now in her early 80s, Rosemeri maintains a quiet life away from media attention. She is said to depend on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edinho has spoken about his parents’ current relationship, saying “they respect each other.” There are no hard feelings, despite the divorce.

As for Pelé, he married a second time in 1994 but divorced again in 2008. He was linked to many other women over the years. But friends say he always held Rosemeri in high regard as the mother of three of his children. Upon Pelé’s death in December 2022, Rosemary made a rare public appearance at his funeral alongside their kids.

Is Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi Still Alive?

Yes, based on all available information, Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi is still living as of 2024. She celebrated her 81st birthday in 2022. However, given her intensely private nature, updates about Rosemeri’s life are very rare.

The most recent mention of Rosemary was about Pelé’s death and funeral in late 2022 and early 2023. Their children confirmed her attendance at the memorial services. Photographs show the elderly Rosemeri mourning alongside Kelly, Edinho and Jennifer.

So while Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi may prefer to stay out of the limelight, it seems clear she remains an important part of her family’s life. The woman who captured Pelé’s heart, shared 16 years of marriage with him, and raised three of his children is still going strong in her ninth decade. We wish her all the best.

Conclusion

Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi’s life has been one of great love, heartbreaking loss, and admirable resilience. From her youthful marriage to Pelé to her quiet golden years, she has remained devoted to her family. While much of her story has unfolded outside of the public gaze, her important role in the life of one of football’s all-time greats is undeniable. We hope this glimpse into Rosemeri’s journey has helped illuminate the woman behind the legend.