Carme Chaparro's Secret Wedding Before Surgery

Journalist Carme Chaparro has revealed a deeply personal chapter of her life, sharing the story of a secret wedding ceremony held just hours before she underwent a major medical procedure. The veteran Spanish journalist, known for her decades-long career in television, chose to formalize her relationship with her partner of 25 years in a moment of profound significance.

The ceremony was a quiet, intimate affair, reflecting the personal nature of the couple's commitment. Chaparro, who has always maintained a degree of privacy regarding her personal life, decided to share this detail as part of a broader reflection on her recent health challenges and the support system that carried her through them.

The union with Bernabé Domínguez marks the formalization of a long-standing partnership. The couple has been together for 25 years and are parents to two daughters. Domínguez, a camera operator by profession, has been a constant presence in Chaparro's life, long before her public profile as a journalist and author.

For years, their relationship remained largely out of the public eye, a private foundation for Chaparro's demanding career. The decision to marry now, after a quarter of a century together, underscores the gravity of the moment and the depth of their bond.

• Together for 25 years prior to the wedding
• Parents to two daughters
• Domínguez works as a camera operator
• Chaparro is a journalist and author

In March 2025, Chaparro announced a temporary withdrawal from her work in television and media. The decision was prompted by a serious illness that she chose not to name publicly at the time. The condition required significant medical intervention, leading to the secret wedding ceremony that preceded her surgery.

Chaparro has described the period of her illness as one of the most challenging times in her life. The experience of being at home, unable to work and heavily medicated, led her to a dark psychological place from which she needed significant help to emerge.

Verme en casa, enferma, muy medicada, sin hacer el trabajo que me gusta, me hizo caer en un pozo muy oscuro, un lugar en el que yo no recordaba haber estado nunca y del que gracias a Dios he salido.

Chaparro has been open about the crucial role her support network played in her recovery. She specifically highlighted the contributions of a close friend and her husband, Bernabé Domínguez. While Chaparro was "out of the game," Domínguez managed their household and cared for their children, taking on responsibilities that allowed her to focus entirely on healing.

Her gratitude extends beyond practical help to the emotional and psychological support that sustained her. In a previous interview, she acknowledged the importance of professional help and the steadfast presence of her husband.

Bueno, no a Dios, porque yo no creo. Más bien gracias a una amiga que llamó a un psiquiatra. Y gracias a un marido que me ha sostenido y que se ha ocupado de todo.

Domínguez's role during this period was comprehensive, encompassing both domestic duties and emotional care, creating a stable environment for Chaparro's recovery.

The timing of the wedding—hours before surgery—elevates the ceremony from a legal formality to a profound symbol of partnership. The traditional vow "in sickness and in health" took on a literal and immediate meaning for the couple. Chaparro herself noted the unique gravity of the situation, describing the experience as the most literal interpretation of those vows she could imagine.

This act represents a commitment not just to a shared future, but to navigating the immediate challenges of the present together. The decision to marry in such circumstances speaks to the strength of their relationship and the mutual trust that defined their long partnership.

• Wedding occurred just hours before surgery
• Symbolized the literal meaning of "in sickness and in health"
• Formalized a 25-year partnership during a critical moment
• Reflected deep mutual commitment and trust

Carme Chaparro's story is one of resilience, partnership, and the quiet strength found in personal commitments. While the specifics of her health condition remain private, her willingness to share the emotional landscape of her experience offers a powerful narrative about vulnerability and recovery.

As she continues her journey back to full health, the foundation of her marriage and the support of her family remain central to her story. The secret wedding stands as a testament to a love that has endured for a quarter of a century and continues to provide strength in the face of life's most significant challenges.