The family of the “Queen of Tejano Music” Selena Quintanilla — known professionally as Selena — have gathered in Texas to honor her father, singer-songwriter Abraham Quintanilla Jr. with a celebration of his life.
Abraham passed away on December 13 last year, at the age of 86. He died in the town of his birth, Corpus Christi, Texas.
The service to celebrate Abraham also took place in Corpus Christi. Around 400 people — family, friends, acquaintances, and fellow performers — attended in total. His casket was not present at the event (information per TMZ).
The Service Comprised Performances and Dinner
GettyAbraham Quintanilla Jr.’s memorial service occurred this past weekend. It featured performances by various Spanish-language singers, a video tribute that showed many highlights from the performer’s life, and tributary words and prayers from a carefully recruited preacher.
Once the ceremony came to a climax, additional guests joined for food, with more memories of Abraham being shared over dinner.
It’s believed the Quintanilla family intentionally kept the gathering low-key. By choosing Corpus Christi as the location, that was assured, despite the large number of attendees. They chose it because of its deep and longstanding ties to their family.
By all accounts, it sounds like it was a lovely and fitting way to commemorate Abraham.
Abraham Quintanilla’s Son Announced His Passing
Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s son, A.B. Quintanilla III, was the family member who announced his father’s passing.
A.B. — a performer, producer, songwriter, and artist manager — took to Instagram on the day of Abraham’s death. His post featured a picture of his dad. Its caption read, “It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today…”
No cause of death was disclosed for Abraham Quintanilla Jr. following his passing. His body was quickly released to a funeral home. At the home, no investigation was conducted by the medical examiner due to there being no obvious signs of trauma or foul play.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. began performing in 1956 when he was still a teenager. He released several albums — including 1964’s “Con Esta Copa!” — as part of the Tejano band Los Dinos (per Discogs).
His greatest success came when he created another Tejano band, Selena y Los Dinos, which featured his daughters Selena and Suzette, his son A.B., and various other members between 1981 and 1995. In the latter year, the band dissolved following the passing of Selena, who was tragically shot at the age of just 23.
Following his daughter’s untimely death, Abraham produced two movies about her; 1997’s “Selena” and “Selena Remembered” — the former of which starred Jennifer Lopez as Selena (per IMDb).
May Abraham Quintanilla Jr. rest in eternal peace.
May the Lord hold and keep you’ll in his heavenly arms rest in peace 🕊️ Sir now you are with your daughter forever 💖