[3] In 1989, Reig's husband, General Andrés Rodríguez led a coup, which ousted the 35-year dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner.
Rodríguez assumed the presidency, making Nelly Reig Castellanos first lady during the democratic transition.
Reig received an award in 2011 to mark the 22nd anniversary of the 1989 Paraguayan coup d'état and the end of the Stroessner dictatorship.
"[2] In May 2021, Reig was hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Centro Medico La Costa in Asunción due to pre-existing health conditions.
[2][3] Reig's viewing was held at her home in Carmelitas, the Nuestra Señora del Carmen church in Asunción, and San Raphael, in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions at the time.