• José Mujica, known as "Pepe", died at 89 after battling cancer.
• He was celebrated for legalizing marijuana and same-sex marriage in Uruguay.
• Mujica lived a humble lifestyle, rejecting the presidential palace for his flower farm.
• Tributes poured in from across Latin America, honoring his contributions to social justice.
• A national period of mourning has been declared in Uruguay.

José Mujica, the beloved former president of Uruguay, known for his humble lifestyle and progressive politics, passed away at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by current Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi, who expressed profound sorrow on social media, stating, "We will miss you greatly, old friend," according to Reuters, NPR, and CBS News.

Mujica gained international acclaim for his policies during his presidency from 2010 to 2015, famously legalizing marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion, leading Uruguay to become one of the most socially liberal nations in Latin America. His progressive governance was marked by a focus on social welfare and justice, as noted by Le Monde, LA Times, and New York Times.

His simple lifestyle earned him the title of "world's poorest president," as he rejected the opulence typical for leaders, choosing instead to live on his modest flower farm, drive an old Volkswagen Beetle, and donate much of his salary to charity. Mujica's dedication to humility was evident in his governance style and personal philosophy, which he articulated frequently, as seen in an interview with Al Jazeera and BBC.

After his diagnosis of esophageal cancer in early 2024, Mujica opted for palliative care, choosing to stop treatment as the disease progressed. His emotional farewell was met with widespread mourning, with thousands lining the streets of Montevideo, celebrating his life and contributions, as described by South China Morning Post and India Times.

During his time, Mujica actively campaigned for his political successor, Orsi, reflecting his commitment to the progressive legacy he nurtured in Uruguay. Recognized as a pillar of hope and idealism in Latin America, Mujica's legacy continues to inspire future generations, according to Africanews and Dawn.