Gloria Estefan Recalls Fleeing Cuba and Dad's Arrest in 'The Thread': 'Toughest Moments of My Life' (Exclusive)

“Music touched me. It was my escape,” Estefan says in a preview of the YouTube documentary “The Thread,” premiering March 4

Gloria Estefan talks about how music is “allowed [her] survive.”

In the first episode of Life Stories, their new documentary interview series on YouTube Thread — which will feature interviews with Martin Sheen, Tony Hawk, Katie Couric and more — the three-time Grammy-winning singer talks about the impact music has had on her life and the purpose it’s given her.

“Music has never brought me anything but joy,” Estefan, 66, says in an interview for her episode of “Gloria Estefan: Singing Through the Struggles.”

Life stories

Gloria Estefan Wants Dolly Parton Or Kelly Clarkson To Record One Of Her Songs: ‘It Would Be Great’ (Exclusive)

In the preview, the “Conga” singer credits music for helping her through tough times. “It allowed me to survive some of the most difficult moments of my life,” she says, adding, “When Castro’s forces came in, my father told my mother that he had to get us out of Cuba. My mother told him, ‘They’re going to arrest you,’ and that’s exactly what happened.”

During the difficult times she faced, Estefan says, “Music touched me. It was my escape.” Although she never expected the fame she gained, she “gives purpose [her] glory” inspiring others in difficult situations.

“I could never have imagined that I would be an artist,” says the singer. “But I can inspire people who are going through their own struggles and that has given my fame a lot of purpose.”

Gloria Estefan on The Thread.

Bill Winters

Timeline of the relationship between Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan

In 2023, the singer and her husband, musician and producer Emilio Estefan, celebrated 45 years of marriage. When asked what their hopes are for the future, Emilio, 70, said he hopes to inspire the next generation of singers.

“I hope the door is open now [for artists to] believe where they’re coming from,” he told PEOPLE. “You have a sound for Colombia, Spain, Merengue or Cuban music, Puerto Rican music. Don’t forget your country. Make it your own… In the long run, people respect that.”

The “Here We Are” singer says she and her husband are a “great team.” “We love and support each other. He was incredibly motivating for me from day one,” Estefan tells PEOPLE. “He saw that I didn’t like to be the center of attention and he saw something in me early on. He was always there, giving me love and support and doing things for me as much as possible.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“The Thread” will premiere every week from March 4 to June 17 on YouTube.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education