Is Selena Quintanilla dad still alive? As of today, the answer is no. Abraham Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the father of the late Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, has passed away at the age of 86. His death was confirmed on December 13, 2025, by his son, Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III. The announcement marked the end of a life that played a defining role in shaping Selena’s historic career and the broader reach of Tejano music in the United States.
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Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Has Died at 86
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. died on December 13, 2025. The news was shared publicly by his son A.B. Quintanilla III, who expressed the family’s grief and confirmed his father’s passing. As of today, no official cause of death has been released by the family.
Quintanilla was widely recognized not only as Selena’s father but also as her manager, mentor, and the driving force behind her early success. His role in her career spanned decades and continued even after her death in 1995.
Early Life and Music Background
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1939, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. developed an interest in music at a young age. In the 1950s, he pursued a performing career and became part of the vocal group Los Dinos. While his own music career did not reach mainstream success, it gave him firsthand experience in the industry that later proved crucial.
After starting a family, Quintanilla recognized musical talent in his children, especially Selena. He made the decision to step away from his own aspirations and instead focus on building opportunities for them, a move that would ultimately change Latin music history.
Creation of Selena y Los Dinos
In the early 1980s, Abraham Quintanilla formed the band Selena y Los Dinos. Selena served as lead vocalist, while her siblings A.B. and Suzette played bass guitar and drums. Abraham managed the group, overseeing performances, bookings, recordings, and long-term planning.
Under his management, the band worked relentlessly across Texas and neighboring states, often performing at small venues and community events. That dedication paid off as Selena’s popularity grew rapidly, eventually making her one of the most successful Tejano artists of all time.
Role in Selena’s Historic Rise
Abraham Quintanilla was instrumental in guiding Selena through the male-dominated Tejano music industry. He negotiated contracts, protected her artistic direction, and ensured she maintained control over her image and sound.
By the early 1990s, Selena had become a national figure, winning major awards and breaking barriers for Latina artists. Abraham continued to manage her career during her crossover into English-language music, a transition that was underway at the time of her death.
Life After Selena’s Death
Following Selena’s murder in 1995, Abraham Quintanilla committed himself to preserving her memory and protecting her legacy. He remained involved in the release of her posthumous music, authorized film and television portrayals, and worked closely on projects that told her story accurately.
He also played a major role in establishing the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi and supported the continued operation of Q-Productions, the family’s music and entertainment company.
Later Years and Final Public Appearances
In his later years, Abraham Quintanilla appeared in interviews and documentaries that reflected on Selena’s life, career, and cultural impact. His most recent appearances focused on sharing family memories and clarifying historical details surrounding Selena’s rise to fame.
Despite health challenges associated with aging, he remained actively involved in legacy projects until shortly before his death.
Public Reaction and Family Response
The announcement of Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans around the world. Many credited him with helping introduce Tejano music to mainstream American audiences and for shaping one of the most influential Latin artists in history.
Family members have not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services.
Confirmed Answer Today
For anyone asking is Selena Quintanilla dad still alive, the verified answer as of today is no. Abraham Quintanilla Jr. died on December 13, 2025, at the age of 86. His influence on music, culture, and Selena’s enduring legacy remains deeply felt across generations.