The death of Selena Quintanilla-Perez was one of music's saddest stories. The young Tejano singer was about to achieve massive crossover stardom when the head of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, shot and killed her outside a Texas hotel.
Her father, Abraham Quintanilla, helped keep her memory alive becoming a well-known figure of his own to fans. Now, A.B. Quintanilla III, Quintanilla's son, confirmed in an Instagram post on December 13 that Abraham has died.
"It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today…" he wrote. How did Selena's dad die? The cause of death was not given, but he was 86 years old.
Selena got her musical talents at least in part from her dad, and he helped orchestrate both her rise to fame and her legacy after her death.
He "was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and gained recognition in 1956 for his group, the Dinos," according to KSAT-TV. He then founded his daughter's group, Selena y Los Dinos.
Quintanilla "was instrumental in launching Selena’s career, managing her early performances and helping build the family band that would take her to international fame," according to KSAT-TV.
When she died in 1995, he was a "fierce guardian of her legacy," KSAT-TV reported. According to People, the band was a family affair that also featured Selena's sister, Suzette, and her brother.
How did Selena die, and what was the motive for the murder? According to People, Saldivar was charged with managing Selena's clothing boutiques. She "fatally shot Selena in the back following an intense confrontation over financial discrepancies," People reported.
Saldivar remains in prison today, but she has sought release on parole. However, she was denied release in March of 2025, People reported.
Selena's dad spoke to People in 2021 about the enduring nature of her memory, which is preserved in tributes and a museum.
"Over the years, the new generations have discovered her and have fallen in love with her," he said. "Selena's life was cut short, but her fans have carried her throughout the years, and her legacy is being passed on from generation to generation. That in itself is incredible."