Abraham Quintanilla, the father of the late singer Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 86. The news was shared by his son, Abraham “A.B.” Isaac Quintanilla III, in an Instagram post on December 13. The post was accompanied by a photo of Abraham Quintanilla set to the tune of Pedro Infante’s “Cien Años.” Details regarding the cause of his death have not been disclosed to the public yet.
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Abraham Quintanilla was a key figure in Selena’s career, managing her and her band, Selena y Los Dinos. He was married to Marcella Quintanilla and together they had three children, A.B., Suzette, and Selena. Tragically, Selena was murdered by her former fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar, in March 1995 at the age of 23. Selena’s musical talents were nurtured by her father, with A.B. playing the bass, Suzette on drums, and Selena’s husband, Chris Pérez, on guitar.
Before Selena’s rise to stardom, Abraham had his own musical background, having sung in a band called Los Dinos. A.B. highlighted his father’s early recognition of Selena’s talent, attributing it to Abraham’s experience in the music industry. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, A.B. mentioned how his father saw something special in Selena that others may have overlooked.
The Quintanilla family’s story has been showcased in various media projects, including a Netflix documentary titled Selena y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy. This documentary, which premiered on November 17, delves into the lives of the Quintanilla family and their journey in the music industry. The family also collaborated with the streaming service for Selena: The Series, a biographical drama based on Selena’s life.
Abraham Quintanilla’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the musical journey of his daughter, Selena, and the impact she had on the music industry. His role as a manager and father figure to Selena and her siblings played a pivotal part in shaping Selena’s career and ensuring her talent was recognised on a global scale.
The news of Abraham Quintanilla’s passing has resonated with fans of Selena and admirers of the Quintanilla family’s musical contributions. The outpouring of support and condolences from the public is a testament to the lasting impact that Abraham and his family have had on the music world and beyond.
As the Quintanilla family mourns the loss of Abraham, their patriarch, his memory lives on through the music of Selena and the indelible mark they have left on the hearts of fans worldwide. The legacy of the Quintanilla family continues to inspire generations of music lovers and serves as a reminder of the power of familial bonds and the enduring spirit of talent and passion.