A.B. Quintanilla, Marcella Quintanilla, Abraham Quintanilla, and Suzette Quintanilla in 2019. | Credit: Ari Michelson
Abraham Quintanilla Jr., a towering figure in Tejano music history and the father of the late Selena Quintanilla-Perez, passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 86. The sad news was shared publicly by his son, A.B. Quintanilla III, through social media. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Quintanilla Jr. was far more than the father of a superstar. He was a singer, songwriter, producer, and manager whose lifelong dedication to music—and to his family—helped shape one of the most influential legacies in Latin music history.
Born with a passion for music, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. began his career in the 1950s as a member of the band The Dinos, becoming one of the early Mexican American artists to break into a scene that offered few opportunities at the time. Though commercial success was limited, the experience laid the foundation for a career defined by perseverance, vision, and belief in the power of music.
That belief would later transform the trajectory of Tejano music when he formed and managed Selena y Los Dinos, the family band that launched his daughter Selena into stardom. As manager and producer, Quintanilla Jr. guided every aspect of her early career—often navigating discrimination and industry barriers—while helping Selena become a groundbreaking, chart-topping artist whose influence would span generations.
Following Selena’s tragic death in 1995, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. devoted himself to preserving her legacy. He served as an executive producer for the acclaimed biographical film Selena, ensuring her story was told with authenticity and respect. Through Q Productions, based in Corpus Christi, he continued producing music and supporting artists while maintaining Selena’s place in music history.
In recent years, the stewardship of that legacy transitioned to Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, who became President and CEO of Q Productions in 2016. A former drummer for Selena y Los Dinos, Suzette now oversees company operations, manages the Selena Museum, and leads major initiatives including documentaries and licensing projects—continuing the work her father began.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. was married to Marcella Quintanilla since 1963, and together they raised three children: Abraham III (A.B.), Suzette, and Selena. Their family bond was inseparable from their music, forming the heart of a story that continues to resonate worldwide.
In 2021, Quintanilla Jr. published his autobiography, A Father’s Dream, offering a deeply personal reflection on his life, struggles, triumphs, and the unwavering belief he held in his daughter’s talent and destiny.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s name is forever woven into the fabric of Tejano music. His vision helped elevate a genre, his determination launched a legend, and his lifelong commitment ensured that Selena’s light would never fade. His impact will continue to be felt wherever Tejano music is played, remembered, and celebrated.
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