Hugo Chavez: A life in pictures

Chavez was first elected president of Venezuela in 1998. Above, his former wife Maria Isabel Rodriguez waves to cheering supporters after his inauguration ceremony at the Congress in downtown Caracas.

In 2002, a coup led by Chavez(***)s right-wing opponents briefly forced the president out of office. He returned to power only three days later. Above, an emotional Chavez holds a crucifix as he addresses the nation from the Miraflores presidential palace.

Chavez had three children by his first wife, including Rosa Virginia, left, and Maria Gabriela. He also had one daughter by his second wife, Marisabel Rodriguez.

Chavez maintained strong ties with other leftist leaders in Latin America such as Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega (left). He was also close with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (right).

In 2011, Chavez announced that he had cancer and was receiving treatment in Cuba. He said he had fully recovered in July 2012, ahead of the Venezuelan presidential elections in October, but after the election returned to Cuba for further treatment.

Above, members of the Venezuelan national police attend a mass for Chavez(***)s health on December 13, 2012.

Chavez has named Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela(***)s 50-year-old vice president, as his successor.