Mexican entertainer Vicente Fernández whose illustrious career as the “king of rancheras” spanning decades in music and film, has died at the age of 81.
According to the social media post on the singer’s Instagram page: “Rest in peace, Mr. Vicente Fernández. We regret to inform you of his death on Sunday, December 12 at 6:15 a.m.,” “It was an honor and a great pride to share with everyone a great musical career and to give everything for his audience. Thank you for continuing to applaud, thank you for continuing to sing.”
Having had been hospitalized for four months after a fall at his ranch, Fernández suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome, and ultimately died in Guadalajara in his home state of Jalisco.
Compared to the likes of Frank Sinatra, to his adoring fans Fernández was known as “Chente.” His songs of love, heartbreak and masculinity are a staple in Hispanic households including such hits as “El rey,” “Volver, volver” and “Por tu maldito amor.”
So widely revered was Vicente that the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, released the following Twitter.statement:
“My condolences to family, friends and the millions of admirers of Vicente Fernández, a symbol of the ranchera music of our time, known and recognized in Mexico and abroad.” And one of his sons, Vicente Fernández Jr., shared a photo on Instagram of the two smiling with the caption “Thank you for everything!!!” the caption read. “I LOVE YOU FATHER.”
In 2012, Fernández underwent complex surgery that removed almost half of his liver from tumor complications, followed by pulmonary thrombosis, and in March 2015, the singer had three hernias extracted. Earlier this year the singer faced with allegations of sexual abuse by singer Lupita Castro.
Throughout his career, Vicente Fernández sold more than 65 million albums and filmed more than 35 movies. He won three Grammys and eight Latin Grammys, was named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy in 2002 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Petruss