Gloria's keys to joy, strength and resilience

Five decades into her legendary career, music icon, wife and mom of two Gloria Estefan is still dancing to her own rhythm. At 68, she's celebrating her first full-length Spanish album in 18 years, which already reached #1 on three major Billboard charts. Here, Gloria shares how she finds bliss and balance in every beat

- ANA PELAYO CONNERY

Gloria Estefan first rose to stardom in the 1980s, found global success with her 1985 hit "Conga" and has spent nearly five decades making the world dance—but lately, she's just as passionate about basking in life's quieter joys. Whether celebrating her 50th musical anniversary alongside her husband, Emilio, or giggling over pancakes with her grandson, Gloria's life is rooted in amor, laughter and her Cuban heritage. "Time with family, a delicious meal, a walk in nature—real joy is in the small things," she tells Woman's World.

But Gloria is the first to admit that her life hasn't been without its highs and lows. Her father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was 14, and she cared for him and her sister after school while their mom worked. He passed away when Gloria was 17. Then in 1990, Gloria was in a tour bus accident that nearly left her paralyzed.