Abraham Quintanilla, the father of late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, passed away at age 86 on Saturday, December 13, his family confirmed.
“It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today…” Abraham’s son, A.B. Quintanilla III, shared via Instagram on Saturday, December 13.
Abraham Quintanilla Had a Storied Life
Quintanilla was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he began his music career with Los Dinos in the 1950s. After starting a family with wife Marcella Ofelia Samora, he stepped away from music.
The couple welcomed three children: Daughters Suzette and Selena, and son Abraham III.
After discovering Selena’s musical talents, he formed the family band, Selena y Los Dinos in 1981. Abraham would continue to manage the group as they skyrocketed to stardom in the Tejano community after signing with Freddie Records in 1984.
The band would later sign with Capitol/EMI after being recognized by the former head of Sony Music Latin as the “next Gloria Estefan.”
Following the tragic 1995 death of his beloved daughter, Abraham dedicated his life to keeping her legacy alive, including executive producing the Selena biopic starring Jennifer Lopez.
Golden Globe Award-winning actor Edward James Olmos portrayed the Quintanilla patriarch.
He would later release a memoir titled “A Father’s Dream: My Family’s Journey in Music,” in addition to appearing in numerous documentaries, launching The Selena Foundation—an organization formed to help children in “complete their education, to live moral lives, to love their families, to respect human life and to sing whatever song they were born to sing.”
The family has yet to reveal Abraham’s cause of death.
Tributes Poured In for the Late Abraham Quintanilla
As news of his passing began to spread, fans shared their heartfelt condolences to the beloved family.
“I’m so sorry AB☹️ 😔 my deepest condolences, I send you a very strong hug,” one fan commented on AB’s announcement post.
“My deepest condolences to AB! 😢 May the great man Abraham Quintanilla rest in peace. A hug to the whole family,” another wrote.
“Omg I’m so sorry!!! Nooo. 😢He was so lovely whenever I met him at the museum. Didn’t expect this. My heart goes out to you and your family,” a third commented.
“Strong hug for the whole Quintanilla family and my prayers for Mr Quintanilla,” a fourth shared.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, your father’s love and the memories you shared will always be a part of you,” another wrote.
They are both Angels and they are looking down at Us May God Be With You and Your Family God Bless Selena with her Music Your Father is with Selena and they are talking to God May both of them rest in peace I love Selena Music 🎵🎶 very much She is a Shining 🌟🌟 Star she is Singing in Heaven with love Yvonne French