José María Rico | |
---|---|
First Gentleman of Costa Rica | |
In role May 8, 2010 – May 8, 2014 |
|
President | Laura Chinchilla |
Preceded by |
Leila Rodríguez Stahl Vacant (2006–2010) |
Succeeded by | Mercedes Peñas Domingo |
Personal details | |
Born |
Granada, Andalusia, Spain |
August 12, 1934
Political party | National Liberation Party |
Domestic partner | Laura Chinchilla (m. 2000-Present) |
Alma mater |
University of Granada University of Montreal |
Profession | Lawyer |
José María Rico Cueto (born August 12, 1934) is a Costa Rican lawyer who served as the First Gentleman of Costa Rica during the presidency of his wife, former President Laura Chinchilla, from 2010 to 2014. Born in Loja, Granada, Spain, he moved in 1960 to Montreal to pursue his career in international law. He still holds Canadian citizenship. From there he travelled frequently to Latin America, which in 1990 led him to meet Chinchilla and work with her in the same project. He is a lawyer and expert in penal code.
On July 11, 2010 Rico accidentally slipped and fell after watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final with Chinchilla at a hotel in Nandayure Canton. He suffered massive fractures in his hipbone, femur, and ribs. The next day he was airlifted to Hospital CIMA where he successfully underwent surgery.