Abraham Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the father of late Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla, has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The news was shared by his son, musician and producer Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, in an Instagram post stating, “It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today,” alongside a photo of his father set to music. No official cause of death has been disclosed as of the latest reports.

Born on February 22, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Quintanilla began his musical career in the 1950s as a member of the vocal group Los Dinos before stepping away from performing to raise his family. After recognizing Selena’s extraordinary singing talent as a child, he formed the family band Selena y Los Dinos, which also featured his children A.B. and Suzette. Under his management, Selena rose to prominence in the Tejano music scene during the 1980s and went on to become one of the most beloved Latin artists of her generation.

Following Selena’s tragic murder in 1995 at age 23, Quintanilla dedicated much of his life to preserving and promoting her legacy. He served as executive producer on the 1997 biographical film Selena and was involved in subsequent productions and projects highlighting her impact on music and culture. His recent involvement in the Netflix documentary Selena y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy brought renewed attention to the early years of the family band and Selena’s rise to stardom.

Quintanilla is survived by his wife, Marcella Quintanilla, and their children. Tributes from fans and members of the music community continue to pour in following the announcement of his death, reflecting on his role in shaping the career of the Queen of Tejano Music and his decades-long influence on Latin music.