TEXAS, USA — Abraham Quintanilla, father and longtime manager of Tejano star Selena Quintanilla, has died at the age of 86, his family announced on social media Saturday morning. No cause of death has been disclosed.
- Age: 86
- Relation: Father and manager of Selena Quintanilla
- Band founder: Creator of Selena y Los Dinos
- Announcement: Shared by son A.B. Quintanilla on Instagram
- Cause: Family has not released a cause of death
Abraham Quintanilla was widely credited as the driving force behind his daughter Selena’s meteoric rise. He founded the family band Selena y Los Dinos and managed Selena throughout her career, shepherding her from Texas club stages to Grammy-winning superstardom.
His son, musician and producer A.B. Quintanilla, posted on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today…” The family confirmed the news across their social channels Saturday morning.
Abraham himself was a Tejano musician decades earlier, a member of Los Dinos in the 1950s and 1960s. He later worked for Dow Chemical Company in Lake Jackson, Texas, while raising the family that would change Tejano music forever.
Credit: Associated Press
The Legacy
Abraham’s work as a manager and promoter kept Selena’s voice and cultural impact alive after her 1995 murder. Key achievements tied to his stewardship include:
- Selena’s breakthrough hits and international profile, including three of her signature songs: “Amor Prohibido,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and “Como La Flor.”
- A Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album (1993) that cemented Selena’s crossover potential.
- Ongoing stewardship of her catalog, image and estate—roles Abraham continued to fulfill through interviews and curated projects, including participation in a recent Netflix documentary about Selena’s life.
Social Proof & Reactions
Tributes poured in on social media after the announcement. A.B. Quintanilla’s Instagram message was the first public confirmation; fans, fellow musicians, and cultural commentators quickly shared memories of Abraham’s role in building Selena’s career and preserving her legacy. Media outlets noted Abraham’s recent appearances in documentary projects and interviews that reaffirmed his central role in the family’s musical history.
The family has not released funeral or memorial details. Out of respect for privacy, updates will be shared through official family channels.
Published: 9:41 AM CST December 13, 2025 — Updated: 10:03 AM CST December 13, 2025
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