Selena Quintanilla’s family is bidding farewell to their beloved patriarch.
The late Tejano music icon’s father Abraham Quintanilla, who was instrumental in forming his children’s band Selena y Los Dinos, died Dec. 13. He was 86.
Abraham’s son Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III confirmed the news on Instagram, writing alongside a photo of his dad, “It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today…”
Further details on his passing, including a cause of death, have not been shared.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Abraham pursued a career in music in the singing group Los Dinos, though he left the band in the late 1960s to raise his family with wife Marcella Quintanilla. Upon discovering his daughter’s singing ability, he encouraged his kids to play music together—despite their initial resistance—with A.B. on bass, Selena on vocals and Suzette Quintanilla on drums.
As Selena y Los Dinos’ popularity in the Latin music world grew, Abraham continued to serve as the band’s manager, playing a key role in their decision-making and creative direction until Selena was shot and killed in 1995, at which point the group disbanded.
