78-year-old Brazilian widower drives 3,200 km to meet online partner in Maranhão

Jovino Pereira Neto, a 78‑year‑old retired resident of Palhoça in Santa Catarina, traveled roughly 3,200 kilometres by car from his home to the village of Cajazeiras in the municipality of Codó, Maranhão. After a month of Facebook messages with Lineth Sousa, a teacher living in Maranhão, he left on 15 July and spent seven days driving only during daylight, staying in hotels, pousadas, and occasionally sleeping in his vehicle. He became lost at one point and received assistance from a truck driver to continue.

Jovino did not inform his family before departing, fearing they would try to stop him. Upon his arrival, he said his presence caused a “total uproar” among the locals. He announced he intends to remain in Maranhão and will not return to Santa Catarina, describing the trip as a way to end his loneliness after his wife's death. The story attracted attention on social media for the length of the journey and its romantic motive.