Abraham Quintanilla Jr, father and manager of Tejano music legend Selena, dies at 86

13 December 2025

(From left to right): Suzette Quintanilla, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and Marcela Quintanilla in September 2016. Jordan Murph/Getty

Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the father of beloved Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, has died at the age of 86, his family announced on December 13, 2025, bringing an end to a life intertwined with the rise of one of the most influential voices in Latin music. His passing was confirmed by his son, Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, in an emotional Instagram post in which he wrote that it was “with a heavy heart” that he shared the news with the world. The cause of death has not yet been made public, but messages of condolence poured in from fans, musicians and friends who recognized the profound impact he had on his daughter’s career and on Tejano music as a whole.

Born on February 22, 1939 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. was a musician long before he became the guiding force behind his daughter’s meteoric rise. As a young man he was a member of Los Dinos, a band that played various genres including doo-wop and Tejano, laying the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. His early years in music would shape not only his own path but the trajectory of his children, who would carry on the family’s musical legacy through the band Selena y Los Dinos.

When Selena began singing as a young girl, her father recognized in her a rare talent that deserved careful guidance and cultivation. He assembled the family band, Selena y Los Dinos, with his son A.B. playing bass, his daughter Suzette on drums and, later, Selena’s husband Chris Pérez on guitar. Quintanilla took on the role of manager, booking performances across South Texas and beyond, teaching his children the discipline of performance and the complexities of the music business. His managerial hand was not always easy, often described as strict and demanding, but it was rooted in a belief that his children could break barriers and bring Tejano music to wider audiences.

Under his leadership, Selena y Los Dinos grew from local act to national sensation in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Selena’s voice, charisma and crossover appeal brought her widespread acclaim, helping her win multiple awards and solidify her status as the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Hits such as “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Como La Flor” and her posthumous English-language smash Dreaming of You broadened her reach beyond regional music circles to mainstream audiences. Quintanilla’s vision and perseverance were undeniable components in her rise.

Tragedy struck in 1995 when Selena was murdered at the age of 23 by the former president of her fan club and boutique manager. The devastating loss reverberated throughout the music world and left an indelible mark on her family. In the years after her death, Abraham Quintanilla devoted himself to preserving Selena’s legacy, ensuring that her story would continue to be told and that her music would remain part of cultural memory. He spearheaded initiatives such as the creation of the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, which became a gathering place for fans and a testament to her enduring influence.

Quintanilla also played a prominent role in shaping the narrative around Selena’s life and career through film and television. He served as an executive producer on the 1997 biographical film Selena, in which he was portrayed by actor Edward James Olmos, and was involved in later projects including Selena: The Series and the 2025 Netflix documentary Selena y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy, which offered personal insights and home footage of the family’s journey. These projects deepened public understanding of both Selena’s ascent and the sacrifices behind her success, with Abraham’s voice central to those stories.

Throughout his life Abraham Quintanilla remained a fixture at events commemorating his daughter’s work and the larger legacy of Tejano music. Fans often encountered him at concerts, museum exhibitions and tribute events, where he greeted admirers with gratitude and a quiet dignity. His presence served as a living bridge between Selena’s triumphant years and the continued celebration of her life in the decades that followed.

Beyond his role as father and manager, Quintanilla was a musician, songwriter and record producer whose career spanned more than half a century. He founded Q-Productions, a record company and studio that supported Latin artists and served as a base for preserving Selena’s recordings. His influence helped elevate Tejano music, a genre that blends Mexican and American musical traditions, into broader recognition and respect.

In private life, Abraham was married to Marcella Quintanilla, and together they raised their children in a household where music was both passion and profession. The family’s story, marked by triumph and tragedy, became part of the fabric of American music history. Friends and admirers remember him not only as a shrewd manager and devoted father but also as a man who carried the weight of loss with unwavering commitment to honoring his daughter’s voice.

The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, musicians and public figures who acknowledged Quintanilla’s role in shaping Latin music’s cultural landscape. Tributes highlighted his devotion to family, his tenacity in pursuing artistic excellence and his ability to keep Selena’s memory alive for new generations of listeners.

Abraham Quintanilla Jr. is survived by his children A.B. and Suzette, who carry forward his work in music and in safeguarding Selena’s legacy. As the world reflects on his life, his contributions to music and family resonate as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of one of Tejano music’s most influential figures.