Abraham Quintanilla wife is Marcella Samora, a woman who has stood by his side for more than six decades. The couple, best known as the parents of the late Tejano music superstar Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, have shared a remarkable journey that began long before their daughter’s rise to fame. As of December 2025, Abraham and Marcella continue to be remembered and respected by fans for their lasting love, resilience, and commitment to preserving Selena’s legacy.
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Who Is Marcella Samora?
Marcella Samora was born on July 17, 1944, in the United States. She is of Mexican and Native American descent, a background that played an important role in shaping the cultural roots of the Quintanilla family.
Marcella lived most of her early life in Washington state, where she later met Abraham Quintanilla Jr., a young man serving in the U.S. military at the time. The two connected through mutual friends and began a relationship that would eventually lead to one of the most recognized families in Latin music history.
The Love Story of Abraham and Marcella
Abraham Quintanilla and Marcella Samora met in 1961 while Abraham was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington. After a brief courtship, the couple married in June 1963. Their marriage marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership that would weather both incredible success and unimaginable tragedy.
In the early years of their marriage, Abraham was an aspiring musician. He performed with the band Los Dinos, a group that laid the foundation for what would later become the family’s musical legacy.
The couple eventually settled in Corpus Christi, Texas, where they raised their three children: Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, Suzette Quintanilla, and Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
The Quintanilla Family
Marcella and Abraham’s three children each played a major role in the growth of their family’s musical career.
- A.B. Quintanilla III (born December 13, 1963): A songwriter and record producer who wrote many of Selena’s biggest hits, including “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.”
- Suzette Quintanilla (born June 29, 1967): A talented drummer and the only daughter still performing in Selena y Los Dinos after Selena’s passing.
- Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (born April 16, 1971 – died March 31, 1995): The youngest child, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” who became a global icon before her tragic death.
Together, the Quintanilla family formed Selena y Los Dinos, one of the most influential Latin music groups in American history.
Marcella Samora’s Strength Through Tragedy
Marcella’s life took a devastating turn in 1995, when her youngest daughter, Selena, was tragically murdered at just 23 years old. The loss shocked the world and forever changed the Quintanilla family.
Throughout the aftermath, Marcella displayed extraordinary strength and dignity. She supported her husband and surviving children while grieving the loss of her daughter. Her composure and grace inspired many fans who admired her resilience.
Today, Marcella continues to honor Selena’s memory privately, avoiding the spotlight while focusing on her family’s well-being.
Abraham Quintanilla’s Career and Legacy
Abraham Quintanilla, born on February 20, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a singer, producer, and music manager. Before becoming known as Selena’s father, he pursued his own musical career as a member of Los Dinos in the 1950s and 1960s.
After his military service, Abraham dedicated himself to developing his children’s musical talents. He founded Q-Productions, a recording studio and entertainment company based in Corpus Christi. Under his guidance, Selena became an international superstar, breaking barriers for Latin artists in the U.S. music industry.
Following her passing, Abraham continued to work tirelessly to protect and promote Selena’s legacy through:
- Selena Museum: Established in Corpus Christi, featuring memorabilia, awards, and personal items from Selena’s life.
- Q-Productions: Ongoing production of music and media honoring Selena.
- Documentaries and Biopics: Abraham and Marcella both consulted on major projects, including the 1997 biopic Selena starring Jennifer Lopez and the 2020 Netflix series Selena: The Series.
The Lasting Marriage of Abraham and Marcella
As of 2025, Abraham and Marcella have been married for more than 62 years, a rare milestone in the entertainment world. Their partnership has endured through every major chapter of their lives — from Abraham’s early struggles in music to Selena’s rise to fame and the years following her death.
Their marriage represents stability and loyalty, built on mutual respect and shared faith. While Abraham remains more public due to his work with Q-Productions, Marcella chooses a quieter life, focusing on family and personal reflection.
Despite the fame surrounding their last name, the couple continues to value privacy. Those close to them describe their relationship as strong, loving, and deeply supportive.
Where Are Abraham and Marcella Today?
As of December 2025, Abraham Quintanilla is 86 years old, and Marcella Samora is 81 years old. The couple continues to live in Corpus Christi, Texas, surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
While they are both retired from active business management, they remain deeply connected to Selena’s fan community. Abraham occasionally appears at events honoring his daughter, while Marcella remains mostly out of public view.
Together, they continue to uphold the values that made the Quintanilla family beloved — faith, family, and music.
How Marcella and Abraham Keep Selena’s Legacy Alive
Three decades after Selena’s passing, the Quintanilla family continues to celebrate her life and achievements. Abraham and Marcella have both played central roles in ensuring her story endures for future generations.
Key Efforts to Preserve Selena’s Legacy:
- Selena Museum: Managed by Q-Productions, the museum attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
- Selena Foundation: Established to support education and community initiatives, particularly for underprivileged children.
- Music and Merchandising: Continued re-releases of Selena’s albums and official merchandise help new fans discover her work.
- Cultural Recognition: Abraham and Marcella have supported public tributes, such as the Selena star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and commemorative statues in Texas.
Their unwavering commitment has kept Selena’s memory alive and introduced her music to younger audiences who were not yet born during her lifetime.
Marcella Samora: A Private but Powerful Presence
While Abraham often takes on a public role in interviews and events, Marcella prefers privacy. Her humility and quiet strength have earned her respect from fans and admirers.
She has occasionally appeared at special ceremonies, including Selena’s posthumous honors, but generally lives outside of the spotlight. Friends describe her as deeply spiritual, compassionate, and devoted to her family’s unity.
A Family Built on Love and Resilience
The story of Abraham Quintanilla and his wife Marcella Samora is one of perseverance, faith, and enduring love. From their humble beginnings to their daughter’s international stardom, the couple has faced life’s greatest highs and deepest lows together.
Their relationship stands as a testament to what true partnership looks like — built on loyalty, respect, and shared purpose.
Even decades after Selena’s death, Abraham and Marcella continue to inspire millions of fans who admire their commitment not only to their family but also to preserving their daughter’s musical legacy. Abraham Quintanilla Wife
The bond between Abraham Quintanilla and his wife Marcella Samora continues to reflect strength, love, and the unbreakable ties of family.