At the 30th anniversary of Selena’s death, the world continues to celebrate her life, legacy and impact on music. She is still one of the most influential music icons not only in Tejano culture, but all over the United States and Mexico.
The singer’s life was cut short in 1995 at the hands of her murderer, Yolanda Saldívar, former fan club president and manager of Selena’s boutiques. She was convicted of murder Oct. 23, 1995 after a trial in Houston, and sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 30 years.
Thirty years after one of the most shocking headlines to hit news across the globe, it was announced that Saldívar would have been eligible for parole March 30 of this year, just one day before the 30th anniversary of the singer’s death, but was denied parole by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. At the beginning of her sentence, Saldívar was processed at the Gatesville Unit in Gatesville, Texas, but is currently serving out the rest of her life sentence at the Patrick O’Daniel Unit in maximum security, due to the tension toward her case.
The singer’s family expressed their gratitude through an Instagram post March 27 after the decision was made saying, “Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar. While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for this beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.”
They continue, “Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit. As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect that it deserves.” They conclude the post by saying, “We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing. We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life – not the tragedy that took her from us – and we ask that who all cherish her do the same.”
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was born April 16, 1971, in Freeport, Texas. Selena started singing through the influence of her father, Abraham Quintanilla. He led a band, Los Dinos, from 1956 to 1974. Selena started her singing career in her father’s restaurant, Papagayo’s, with her older siblings Abraham (A.B.) and Suzette. After the closure of their family-owned restaurant, Abraham started to pull strings and reach out to old connections to book gigs and performances for his children’s small band, penned Selena y Los Dinos. With time, they gained popularity across Texas, starting with small weddings and parties to county and state fairs throughout the state. The band’s popularity skyrocketed in the 1980s and found great success after singing at Freddie Records and releasing their first full-length album in 1984.
Selena’s rise to fame was consistent throughout the 1980s and 1990s. At the peak of her career, she won her first Grammy for Best Mexican American Album for her album “Live,” a series of her most popular hits recorded in concert, such as “Amor Prohibido”, “No Me Queda Mas” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”.
At the time of Selena’s murder, Quintanilla-Pérez had been informed by her father that fans were not receiving items they purchased from the fan club, and that Saldívar had been embezzling money from both organizations.
When confronted at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Selena requested that Saldívar hand over the financial records, Saldívar claims she “panicked” and proceeded to retrieve a .38 revolver and shot the singer in the hotel room. Quintanilla-Pérez died on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi after attempts to save her life at Christus Spohn Hospital. She was joined by her father, mother, siblings, but most importantly, her husband Chris Pérez.
Although 30 years has gone by with great speed, Selena remains an icon in Tejano music and culture. She has impacted the lives of thousands, not only with her music but as well as her dedication to advocacy for programs such as D.A.R.E., AIDS Awareness, recording advertisements and messages for children.
Her legacy is described by her family in a recent shared post as “one of love, music, and inspiration,” and that she “lived with joy, gave effortlessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit.”
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