The family of Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of the beloved late Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla, gathered in Texas this past weekend for a private celebration of his life. The event came less than a month after the family patriarch passed away at the age of 86 on December 13.
A Private Family Gathering
Insiders reported to media that approximately 400 close family members and friends congregated in Corpus Christi for the memorial. The location was chosen due to the Quintanilla family's long-standing connections to the area. In keeping with the family's wishes for a low-profile event, the service was notably private. Mobile phones were not permitted inside, and the event did not feature a casket.
The memorial included a poignant video tribute honouring Abraham's life, alongside musical performances and prayers. Following the service, a dinner was held in his honour. The family had previously announced his passing with a statement expressing their deep sadness, describing him as a "beloved husband, father, and patriarch" whose life was defined by faith, discipline, and steadfast love.
Remembering a Legacy and a Tragedy
Abraham Quintanilla Jr.'s life was forever marked by the tragic murder of his superstar daughter, Selena. The "Dreaming of You" singer was just 23 years old when she was shot and killed by her fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar, on March 31, 1995. Saldívar, now 64, was convicted of first-degree murder later that year and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
In a significant development last March, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied Saldívar her first bid for parole. Selena's family, including widower Chris Perez, issued a joint statement supporting the decision, stating it reaffirmed justice for the life taken far too soon. Saldívar will next be eligible for parole in 2030.
A Family's Enduring Request
The Quintanilla family has consistently focused on celebrating Selena's artistic legacy rather than the tragedy of her death. In their statement following the parole decision, they urged fans: "We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life - not the tragedy that took her from us - and we ask that all who cherish her do the same."
Regarding Abraham Quintanilla Jr.'s passing, medical examiners did not investigate the cause of death as there were no signs of foul play or trauma. No official cause has been publicly released. The family's weekend gathering served as a final, intimate farewell to the man who worked tirelessly as the guiding force behind his family's journey.
