Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of the renowned Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed the news via an Instagram post from his son, Abraham Quintanilla III, who expressed his sorrow, stating, “It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today…” Details regarding the cause of death have not been disclosed.
Quintanilla is survived by his children, A.B. Quintanilla III and Suzette Quintanilla, as well as his wife, Marcella Samora, whom he married in 1963. The patriarch of the Quintanilla family was not only a singer and songwriter but also a pivotal record producer who formed the band Selena y Los Dinos and managed Selena’s career until her tragic death in 1995. Selena was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, who is currently serving a life sentence and was recently denied parole.
In a statement released following the parole denial, the Quintanilla family and Selena’s husband, Chris Perez, emphasized that while nothing can bring Selena back, justice remains a priority for her legacy. They stated, “This decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.”
Quintanilla’s Legacy and Contributions
After Selena’s untimely death, Abraham Quintanilla continued to play an active role in preserving his daughter’s memory. He was involved in various projects that highlighted Selena’s impact on music and culture, including posthumous album releases and the 1997 biopic, which starred Jennifer Lopez and was co-produced by Quintanilla. In the film, Abraham was portrayed by actor Edward James Olmos.
The family also established The Selena Foundation to manage donations received after Selena’s death, focusing on charitable efforts that reflect her spirit. In recent developments, the Quintanilla family shared insights into Selena’s enduring legacy in a new Netflix documentary titled “Selena Y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy.” This film features previously unreleased footage from Selena’s career and includes an interview with Marcella Samora, marking her first public comments about her daughter’s death.
Selena’s influence remains palpable, and the attention surrounding her legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide. The projects led by Abraham Quintanilla and his family serve not only as a tribute to Selena’s artistry but also as a testament to the enduring bond between the Quintanilla family and the millions who cherish her memory.
