Rubem Medina, a former federal deputy and businessman, died Thursday morning in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 83 [1].
Medina's death marks the loss of a figure who bridged the worlds of Brazilian legislative politics and large-scale entertainment commerce. As the brother and partner of Roberto Medina, the creator of the Rock in Rio festival, Rubem Medina played a role in the family's influential business empire.
Medina first entered the political arena in 1967 [1], when he was elected as a federal deputy. His tenure in the legislature established him as a public figure long before the global expansion of his family's entertainment ventures. Throughout his career, he balanced his responsibilities as a lawmaker with his interests as an entrepreneur.
Reports from Rio de Janeiro indicate that Medina died on May 14, 2026 [2]. He is remembered as both a political veteran and a key collaborator in the business dealings associated with the Medina family name. Local outlets in Brazil, including O Globo and Itatiaia, said the death was confirmed.
While his brother Roberto became the public face of the Rock in Rio phenomenon, Rubem's contributions as a businessman and former official provided a different dimension to the family's legacy. His transition from the federal government to the private sector reflected a broader trend of political figures moving into the business sector in Brazil.
Family members and former colleagues have not yet released a detailed statement regarding the cause of death. Funeral arrangements in Rio de Janeiro remain pending as the family prepares to honor his life and contributions to the city and the country.
“Rubem Medina, a former federal deputy and businessman, died Thursday morning in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 83”
The death of Rubem Medina removes a significant link between Brazil's mid-century political establishment and its modern entertainment industry. His early career in the 1960s federal legislature provided the family with political capital that coincided with the eventual rise of the Rock in Rio brand, illustrating the intersection of government influence and private enterprise in Brazilian society.
