Topic: S50: Dianelys "Dee" Valladares (Kalo)

[RealityFreakWill]

Dianelys "Dee" Valladares

Season: Survivor 45
Age: 28
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Current Residence: Miami, Fla.
Current Occupation: Entrepreneur
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?

This isn’t just a return. It’s a responsibility. Being 1/24 players chosen from hundreds that have played feels... surreal. Survivor legitimately changed the trajectory of my life and being able to be part of season 50 is something I’ll never take lightly. I’d even come and play for free. That’s how much I love this game and the people surrounding it.

What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?

Does gaining 10 pounds and eating an excessive amount of chicken tendies count as a life experience?

Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?

Co-hosting the On Fire pod with Jeff and Jay Wolff was sooo fun. Definitely top three accomplishments. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve made and maintained (Julie, Brandon, Kellie) and also so grateful Survivor brought us together. I’m eager for the challenges. I’m a natural competitor and I can already feel in my bones that these challenges will be LEGENDARY!

What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?

People say I’m cutthroat and the most dominant winner in the new era. Which makes me laugh sometimes because I think I could’ve been more ruthless. The thing is, you see me from a screen but when you meet me I’m kind and make sure everyone is comfortable. I’m going to use my charisma and easy-goingness to make sure it’s anyone but me. Either way, I don’t care about reputation. I care about results.

What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?

Chill the F out. That’s my strategy. On season 45, I played like I had something to prove. On season 50, I’m playing like I have nothing to lose.

Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?

Please, please, please just give us rice *crying emoji face*. But another part of me wants to watch these oldies suffer in the new era.

At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Last time I said my dad, so if I don’t say my mom now she will probably cry. All jokes aside, this year has been a whirlwind. Not many people know this, but three months ago (Feb. 2025) my dad had to rush my mom to the hospital. Turns out the blood she peed was due to a cancerous tumor in her colon – my best friend sat me down and told me my world came crashing down. I became paralyzed hearing the word “cancer.” As soon as I got to the hospital, my mom was so calm, even in the midst of chaos. Four days later, the surgeon called and let us know the cancer hadn’t spread. Coincidentally, it was on my grandma’s birthday who passed from cancer (mom’s mom). Te amo mami! This one is for you.

Why will you be the Sole Survivor?

Why not me?