Abraham Quintanilla, Father of Tejano Star Selena, Passes Away at 84
Abraham Quintanilla Jr., father of the renowned Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 84. His family announced his death via Instagram, expressing their sorrow and sharing a heartfelt message along with a photograph of him. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Family Legacy
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. is survived by his wife, Marcella Samora, whom he married in 1963, and their children, Suzette and Abraham Quintanilla III.
Career Highlights
As a pivotal figure in the music industry, Quintanilla was a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He formed the band Selena y Los Dinos and played a crucial role in managing Selena’s career until her tragic murder in 1995.
- Selena was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, who is serving a life sentence and was recently denied parole.
- The Quintanilla family issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to justice following the parole denial.
Continued Involvement in Selena’s Legacy
Following Selena’s death, Abraham Quintanilla remained dedicated to her legacy. He was instrumental in various projects associated with her memory, including posthumous album releases. He co-produced the 1997 biopic about Selena, which starred Jennifer Lopez, with Edward James Olmos portraying Abraham himself.
Charitable Work and Documentaries
The family established The Selena Foundation to manage charitable donations received after Selena’s death. Recently, they participated in a Netflix documentary titled “Selena Y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy,” showcasing unseen footage from Selena’s career.
This documentary was executive-produced by the surviving Quintanilla siblings and featured an interview with Marcella, her first public reflection on Selena’s passing.
