The world is mourning after the untimely death of the iconic Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, who passed away Sunday after a massive heart attack.
Known as “El Divo de Juarez,” the 66-year-old crossed borders with his music and was loved by millions of fans around the world.
Soon after the news of his death of confirmed, some of the biggest names in Latin America took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary artist.
“I am without words to express my immense sadness at the departure of the great @soyjuangabriel. His music and spirit live forever,” tweeted Colombian singer Juanes, who sang Gabriel’s song “Querida” in his 2015 album Los Duos.”
“Today the world of Latin music lost a giant, an icon and a legend that marked my like forever,” Marc Anthony wrote in an Instagram post. “He is largely responsible that my career took course from the first day. Hugely sad with the news of the loss of one of my heroes. A life greater than life goes out today, but your music and your legacy will stay with us forever. Rest in peace my light.”
Mexican ranchera singer Vicente Fernandez tweeted: “How heavy is the departure of Juan Gabriel. A great artist and an excellent human being.”
Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto called Gabriel one of the “great musical icons of our country.”
“My condolences to his family and friends,” he tweeted. “A voice and a talent that represented Mexico. His music, his legacy to the world. He’s gone to soon. May he rest in peace.”
Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal wrote: “Juan Gabriel has died. What pain…The endless flowers make his songs continue even the grotesque (beautiful) of love.”
Actress Salma Hayek shared a photo of Gabriel’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, captioning it: “Rest in peace one of the most beloved Mexican composers of all time. I am honored to have met him.”
Singer John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, whose song “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” was sung in Spanish by Gabriel as “Gracias al Sol,” took to Facebook to honor the icon.
“My heart is heavy and very sad today for Juan Gabriel has passed away. Juan is a legend in the world of Latin Music and someone that I truly admire,” he wrote. “He has written and recorded hundreds of beautiful songs and recently had recorded a wonderful version of my song ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ that I love very much. We had talked about performing this song together and I was looking forward to a new friendship with this amazingly talented man. May God Bless you, Juan.”
Here are some more reactions.
Juan Gabriel was hospitalized in Vegas two years ago after performing in Sin City. He was treated for pneumonia.
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