Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the influential music executive who helped build one of the most important Latin music legacies of the 20th century and the father of late Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla, has died at the age of 86.

The news was announced on Saturday, Dec. 13, by his son, music producer Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, who shared a tribute on Instagram honoring his father’s life and legacy. The post featured a photo of Quintanilla Jr. accompanied by Pedro Infante’s classic song “Cien Años.”

“It’s with a heavy heart that I let you guys know that my dad passed away today,” A.B. wrote.

Quintanilla Jr. was a central figure in the rise of Selena, who became an international sensation in the early 1990s and a defining voice of Tejano and Latin pop music before her life was tragically cut short in 1995 at the age of 23. As the family’s manager and guiding force, he oversaw Selena y Los Dinos, navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry and helping break barriers for Spanish-language music in the mainstream U.S. market.

His role in shaping Selena’s career and protecting her artistic vision was later immortalized in the 1997 biographical film Selena, in which Quintanilla Jr. was portrayed by Edward James Olmos alongside Jennifer Lopez in the title role.

Beyond Selena, Quintanilla Jr. was instrumental in supporting the careers of his other children, including A.B. Quintanilla III and Suzette Quintanilla, helping establish the family as a lasting presence in Latin music. He remained closely involved in preserving Selena’s legacy in the decades following her death, including overseeing posthumous honors, releases and tributes.

In a 2017 ceremony, Quintanilla Jr. joined his family as Selena was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — a moment that symbolized the enduring impact of her music and the family’s role in her success.

Further details regarding Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s death were not immediately released.