Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is best known as the mother of global music star Shakira. Born on February 7, 1950, in Barranquilla, Colombia, she is 76 years old as of 2026.
Though she has stayed out of the spotlight for most of her life, she played a key role in shaping her daughter’s career.
Who is Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado?
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is a Colombian mother and homemaker from Barranquilla. She is widely credited as the person who first noticed her daughter’s talent for singing and dancing.
She has largely avoided public life and interviews. Even so, she has appeared beside Shakira at select family events and charity appearances over the years.
Nidia is not active on social media and rarely speaks to the press. Her influence on Shakira’s career, however, has been mentioned many times by the singer herself.
Early Life of Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado was born in Barranquilla, a coastal city in northern Colombia. She was the second oldest among eight siblings in a middle-class family.
Her parents were Tomás Eduardo Ripoll Jiménez and Josefina Torrado Núñez. Nidia grew up with Catalan and Italian roots on her side of the family.
That mixed heritage was common in Barranquilla, a city known for its blend of cultures. Her upbringing later shaped the values she passed on to her own daughter.
Regarding her education, Ripoll kept her life very private. Because of this, there is no official record of her education, school, or degree.
She is best known as the mother of the famous singer Shakira, and she has chosen to keep her own childhood and academic background out of the public eye.
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Age
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is 76 years old as of 2026. She was born on February 7, 1950.
She has spent more than five decades focused on her family. Despite her age, she remains an important presence in her daughter’s life.
At this age, Ripoll is also well-liked for her physical appearance, with good height and an attractive personality.
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Marriage and Family
Nidia is married to William Mebarak Chadid, a Lebanese-Colombian businessman and writer. He had already been married once before and had several children from that earlier marriage.
Shakira is the only biological child Nidia and William share together. Nidia became a stepmother to William’s other children, and the blended family grew up together in Barranquilla.
Their marriage has lasted for decades. Even through the pressures of raising a large family, Nidia stayed devoted to her children and her home.
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Role in Shakira’s Career
Nidia is often credited as the first person to recognize Shakira’s talent. According to family accounts, she noticed her young daughter’s natural rhythm and stage presence early on.
That early recognition encouraged Shakira to pursue music seriously. Few parents get to see their instincts pay off on such a massive global scale.
As Shakira’s career grew, Nidia traveled with her during tours and major life events. She has remained a steady, private support system throughout her daughter’s rise to fame.
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Health
In March 2023, Nidia was hospitalized in Barcelona after feeling unwell. Doctors initially feared she may have suffered a stroke.
Reports later confirmed the issue was deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in her leg. She was treated and released after doctors confirmed she was out of danger.
The health scare drew concern from fans around the world. Shakira did not make extended public comments on the matter at the time, and Nidia has since returned to her usual private life.
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Personal Life
Nidia has spent most of her adult life focused on her family rather than a public career. She helped raise a large blended household alongside her husband, William.
She has largely stayed away from cameras and interviews throughout her life. Even during Shakira’s biggest career moments, Nidia has preferred to remain in the background.
Her husband William has also faced health challenges in recent years, including a serious fall in 2022. Nidia has remained by his side through those difficulties, just as she has for her daughter.
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The Bottom Line
Torrado may not be a public figure herself, but her impact on one of the world’s biggest music stars is undeniable.
From recognizing Shakira’s early talent to supporting her through decades of fame, Nidia’s quiet influence has shaped a global career.
We hope you enjoyed reading about Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
