Iconic Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez dies at 81

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) – Iconic Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez, known as the “King of Rancheras,” died on Sunday at the age of 81.

The singer and entertainer was in poor health after he suffered a fall in August, which caused cervical spine trauma, necessitating emergency surgery.

“Rest in Peace Mr. Vicente Fernandez. We regret to inform you of his death on Sunday, December 12 at 6:15 am,” said a post on his official Instagram account. “Thank you for continuing to applaud, thank you for continuing to sing.”

The singer of hits such as “Volver, Volver,” “El Rey” and “Por Tu Maldito Amor,” recorded more than 300 songs, starred in more than 35 movies, sold more than 65 million albums worldwide, and received three Grammys and eight Latin Grammys for his work. In 1998, he was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2020, he said he was preparing new songs. "I have more than 100 recorded albums and I have recorded more than 300 songs that have not yet been released. My vice is singing," he stated.

His son, Vicente Fernandez Jr., had pointed out days ago that his father's health was going through a “critical moment.”

Because of a tumor, Fernandez underwent surgery that removed almost half of his liver in 2012. This year, Fernandez was hospitalized after suffering a fall at his ranch in Los Tres Potrillos, outside of Guadalajara. On Dec. 1, he had to be admitted to intensive care and days later, according to statements made by his family, his condition had deteriorated.

"It is serious, he is delicate. We are all in prayers,” his son Alejandro Fernandez said on TV Azteca morning show on Dec. 10.

Fernandez was born in Huentitan el Alto, a town in Guadalajara, in western Mexico, on February 17, 1940.

His career began when he was a teenager singing in restaurants and at weddings. He used to stand in Plaza de Los Mariachis waiting to be hired for parties and serenades.

But it was not until 1976 when his most famous song "Volver, Volver" was released, that true fame came for him. After that, he became a cultural icon and a part of Mexican identity, as well as the entire Latin American continent.

Numerous scandals rocked his career in recent years, including allegations of sexual abuse by singer and actress Lupita Castro. He was also photographed touching women without their consent while posing with them, for which he later apologized.

Fernandez's music influenced many generations. Outside the hospital, young children and adults awaited news about him. “El Charro," the Mexican cowboy, spent the last hours of his life surrounded by his children and close relatives.