CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of late Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla, has died, according to a statement shared by his family on social media.
His son, Abraham Quintanilla III, posted on Instagram that his father passed away, writing that it was “with a heavy heart” he was sharing the news.
Quintanilla Jr. was a musician, producer, and businessman who helped launch and assist Selena’s career. A former performer himself, he recognized Selena’s talent at a young age and formed the family band Selena y Los Dinos, which also included her siblings A.B. Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla.
As Selena’s manager, Quintanilla was closely involved in her rise to fame, from booking early performances at weddings and community events to securing major recording contracts. Selena became a trailblazer in the Tejano music industry, earning multiple Tejano Music Awards and winning a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Mexican-American Album.
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Following Selena’s murder in 1995, Quintanilla Jr. became the primary steward of her legacy. He helped establish the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, oversaw posthumous music releases, and remained actively involved in projects honoring her life, including films, documentaries, and tributes. He was known for his efforts to protect Selena’s image and ensure her influence endured across generations.
