Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of late Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla and a central figure in her historic rise to fame, has sadly passed away.
The news was announced this Saturday morning by his son, A.B. Quintanilla III, who shared an emotional post on Instagram alongside a photo of his father. “It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today,” he wrote.
As of now, no cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
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Abraham Quintanilla was widely known not only as Selena’s father, but as her longtime manager and one of the key architects behind her groundbreaking career. A former musician himself, Abraham played an instrumental role in forming Selena y Los Dinos, guiding the group through years of touring, recording, and navigating an industry that often overlooked Latin artists.
Under his management, Selena became a trailblazer, helping bring Tejano music into the mainstream and breaking barriers for Latina artists across the world.
Even after Selena’s tragic death in 1995, Abraham remained deeply involved in preserving her legacy. He oversaw posthumous releases, managed the Selena brand, and was actively involved in projects honoring her life and music, including films, documentaries, and commemorative events.
His presence in households arguably grew even more. From the 1997 biopic Selena to anniversary specials, documentaries, interviews, and posthumous releases, Abraham remained a visible figure whenever Selena’s story was told. Every time the movie replayed on TV, every time a tribute aired, every time her catalog resurfaced for a new generation, his role as her father and manager was part of that narrative. Families watched those moments together. Parents introduced Selena to their kids. Kids grew up knowing her story. Abraham was a constant thread through all of it.
For decades, he served as a gatekeeper of her story, ensuring that her impact and cultural significance were never forgotten.
Following the announcement of his passing, fans flooded social media with prayers, condolences, and messages of support for the Quintanilla family. Many shared memories of Selena, thanked Abraham for his dedication to her career, and acknowledged the role he played in shaping one of the most influential Latin artists of all time.
As fans wake up to the heartbreaking news, tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, reflecting the lasting impact both Selena and her family have had on generations of music lovers.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. is survived by his wife Marcella Samora, children and grandchildren.