Heartbreaking Loss: Selena Quintanilla’s Father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Passes Away at 86 – Just Weeks After Netflix Doc Spotlight
The Tejano music world is in mourning today following the sudden passing of Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the visionary father and manager who propelled his daughter Selena to global stardom. At 86 years old, the patriarch of the iconic Quintanilla family died on December 13, 2025, as announced by his son, A.B. Quintanilla III, on Instagram.
“It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today,” A.B. wrote in a poignant post, sharing a photo of his father. In a follow-up message – posted on his own 62nd birthday – A.B. poured out his grief: “Losing Selena 30 years ago is still a daily struggle for me… But losing my Dad hits differently. I felt safe knowing his love and guidance was always available when I needed it most and now I won’t be able to have that anymore.”
The family has not disclosed the cause of death, and no further details have been shared publicly at this time.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr., born February 20, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas, was more than just Selena’s dad – he was the architect of her legendary career. A former singer himself with the 1950s doo-wop group Los Dinos, he faced racial barriers in the music industry but never gave up on his dreams. When financial hardships hit the family in the 1980s, he reformed the band as Selena y Los Dinos, featuring his children A.B. on bass, Suzette on drums, and young Selena as the lead vocalist.
Under his strict but dedicated management, Selena blossomed into the “Queen of Tejano Music.” He coached her vocals, navigated record deals, and helped fuse traditional Tejano sounds with pop and cumbia, creating hits like “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and “Amor Prohibido.” Selena’s 1994 Grammy win for Best Mexican-American Album and her crossover success were testaments to his guidance.
Tragedy struck in 1995 when Selena was murdered at 23 by Yolanda Saldívar. Devastated, Abraham became the fierce guardian of her legacy. He executive-produced the 1997 biopic Selena (portrayed by Edward James Olmos, with Jennifer Lopez as Selena), oversaw posthumous releases like Dreaming of You, and founded Q-Productions to manage her estate.
Just weeks ago, Abraham appeared in the new Netflix documentary Selena y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy, sharing heartfelt stories about discovering Selena’s talent and overcoming industry skepticism toward a young female artist. Fans revisited his role in building a family empire that broke barriers for Latin music.
His influence extended beyond Selena: He mentored new talent, released his 2021 memoir A Father’s Dream, and supported charitable efforts through the Selena Foundation.
As tributes pour in from fans worldwide, Selena’s enduring popularity – with events like the upcoming “Selena: From Texas to the World” exhibit at the Grammy Museum in January 2026 – now feels like a bittersweet homage to both daughter and father.
Rest in peace, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Your dream lives on through the music that changed lives.
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