Abraham Quintanilla Jr., widely known as the father of late music icon Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 86. The announcement was made by his son, Abraham “A.B.” Isaac Quintanilla III, via an emotional Instagram post on December 13. A.B. expressed his sorrow, stating, “It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today.”
In the post, A.B. included a heartfelt photograph of his father set to the music of Pedro Infante’s “Cien Años.” As of now, the cause of Abraham’s passing remains undisclosed.
Legacy of Abraham Quintanilla
Abraham Quintanilla was married to Marcella Quintanilla, and together they raised three children: A.B., Suzette Quintanilla, and the beloved Selena. Tragically, Selena was murdered by her former fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar, in March 1995, at just 23 years of age.
Under his guidance, Selena and her band, Selena y Los Dinos, achieved tremendous success. A.B. played bass, Suzette handled drums, and Selena’s husband, Chris Pérez, was the guitarist. Abraham’s early involvement in music, singing with a band called Los Dinos, equipped him with the skills to nurture Selena’s enormous talent.
Influence on the Music Industry
A.B. reflected on his father’s impact on Selena’s career in a previous statement, highlighting Abraham’s unique ability to identify her extraordinary gift. He noted that many parents may believe their children are talented, but it was Abraham’s musical expertise that unearthed Selena’s potential.
Media Representation
To honor Selena’s legacy, the Quintanilla family has participated in various media projects. In 2020, they were featured in the Netflix documentary, “Selena y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy.” This followed their collaboration with the streaming service on “Selena: The Series,” a dramatization of Selena’s life and career.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s contributions to music and his role as a father have left an indelible mark on both his family and the entertainment industry. His passing is a significant loss for many who admired his work and dedication to preserving Selena’s legacy.
