Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the patriarch behind one of the most influential Latin music families of the past century and the father of late Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla, has died. He was 86.
The news was shared Saturday, Dec. 13, by his son, music producer Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, in an Instagram post honoring his father’s life.
“It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today,” A.B. wrote, alongside a photo of Abraham Quintanilla Jr. set to Pedro Infante’s classic song “Cien Años.”
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. is widely remembered for his central role in shaping the career of Selena, who rose to international fame in the early 1990s and became a defining voice in Tejano and Latin pop music.
As the family’s manager, he guided Selena and her band, and was portrayed by Edward James Olmos in the movie, “Selena,” which starred Jennifer Lopez.
Additional details surrounding his death were not immediately released.