It’s been over thirty years since the world lost the Queen of Tejano music. Yet, somehow, the fascination with her life—and the people she left behind—hasn't faded a bit. If anything, it’s stronger. You’ve probably seen the Netflix series or scrolled past a TikTok of her performing "Como la Flor," and it naturally makes you wonder: Are Selena's parents still alive?
The answer is a mix of recent heartbreak and quiet resilience.
For the longest time, both Abraham and Marcella were the guardians of Selena’s memory. They were the ones you’d see in interviews, the ones running the museum in Corpus Christi, and the ones fighting tooth and nail in court to protect her image. But time eventually catches up with everyone. Honestly, the news from late 2025 changed the family dynamic forever.
What Happened to Abraham Quintanilla Jr.?
If you’re looking for the man who built the Selena empire, it was Abraham. He was more than just a dad; he was the architect. He was the one who saw the talent when she was just a kid singing in the garden.
Sadly, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. passed away on December 13, 2025. He was 86 years old. It wasn't a flashy, Hollywood-style tragedy. According to his son, A.B. Quintanilla III, Abraham died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. He didn't want a massive public funeral. He wanted to be cremated. It was a quiet end for a man who spent decades in the middle of a very loud, very public whirlwind.
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His death marked the end of an era. Love him or hate him—and fans were often split on his "tough" management style—you can't deny he was the reason Selena became a household name. He lived thirty years longer than his youngest daughter, spending almost every single one of those days making sure people didn't forget her.
Is Marcella Samora Still With Us?
While Abraham was the face of the business, Marcella Samora was always the heart of the home. She was the quiet one. You didn't see her in the headlines as much because she wasn't the one filing the lawsuits or doing the press tours.
As of early 2026, Marcella Samora is still alive.
She’s in her 80s now. While she’s stayed mostly out of the spotlight since Abraham's passing, she remains the matriarch of the family. Her health has been a topic of concern for fans over the years, but she continues to spend time with her children, A.B. and Suzette, and her grandchildren. In fact, Suzette often shares glimpses of Marcella on social media, showing her enjoying life as a great-grandmother.
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The Family Legacy: Who's Running the Show Now?
With Abraham gone, the mantle has officially passed to the siblings. Suzette Quintanilla has basically taken over the heavy lifting for Q-Productions. She’s the one overseeing the Selena Museum and the massive brand deals, like the MAC makeup collaborations that sell out in minutes.
A.B. is still around, too. He’s had his share of ups and downs—health scares and personal drama—but he remains a fierce defender of the family’s history.
It’s kinda weird to think about the Quintanilla house without Abraham at the helm. For decades, he was the gatekeeper. If you wanted to use Selena’s face on a t-shirt or make a documentary, you had to go through him. Now, that responsibility falls squarely on Suzette and A.B.
Why the Family is Still Controversial
You can't talk about Selena's parents without mentioning the "cease and desist" letters. Even recently, the estate has been active.
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- The Beer Incident: In 2024, a brewery tried to release a "Tomo La Flor" beer. The family shut it down almost instantly.
- The Look-Alikes: They've been very strict about tribute acts using Selena’s name or likeness without a license.
- The Husband: For years, there was tension between Abraham and Selena’s widower, Chris Pérez. Thankfully, they publicly reconciled a few years back, which brought a lot of peace to the fanbase.
What Fans Should Know Moving Forward
If you're looking to honor Selena's legacy or stay updated on the family, here is the most accurate "state of the union" for 2026:
- Visit the Museum: The Selena Museum in Corpus Christi is still open and remains the best way to support the family’s efforts to preserve her history.
- Official Channels Only: If you’re buying merch, stick to the official store. The family is still very much in "protection mode" regarding bootleg items.
- Respect the Privacy: Marcella is an elderly woman grieving her husband of over 60 years. While fans feel like they know her, she’s always been a private person.
Abraham may be gone, but the "Selena" brand is bigger than ever. Between the Netflix series and the new exhibits at the Grammy Museum, the family has made sure that even though the parents are aging or passing on, the music stays on repeat.
Next Steps for Fans: If you're in South Texas, a trip to the Mirador de la Flor monument is still the gold standard for paying respects. Just keep an eye on official social media accounts for Suzette or Q-Productions for any upcoming tribute events, as 2026 marks some significant anniversaries for the late singer's career milestones.