Fernandez was well-known for his hits “El Rey” and “Lastima que seas ajena”, his command of ranchera and dark, elegant mariachi suits that matched with wide-brimmed sombreros.
His music was loved by many people beyond Mexico’s borders. Because of their longing for home, songs like “Volver, Volver”, and “Como Mexico no hay dos,” were very popular with Mexican immigrant communities in America.
Fernandez’s family posted on his official Instagram account that “It was an honour and a great privilege to share with everyone great music careers and give everything for audience.” “Thanks for applauding, and thank you for singing.”
His family confirmed that Fernandez, also known as ”Chente”, died in a Jalisco hospital at 6:15 AM. His family said that Fernandez had fallen in August and was being treated for other injuries.
Social media was used by music icons like Pitbull, Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan to express their condolences. Some even cited how his music had influenced them. George Strait, a country legend, said that he was “one my heroes.”
“I am broken hearted. Ricky Martin stated that Don Chente was an angel in my life. “The only thing that brings me comfort is the fact that I tell Don Chente how important he is to me every time we see each other.
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the Mexican President, also condoled his loss and called him “a symbol for ranchera music.”
His widow Maria del Refugio Abarca Villasenor and his children, grandchildren, and many relatives and friends, said farewell to Fernandez on Sunday night at his ranch, his favourite place.
Los Tres Potrillos Ranch on the outskirts Guadalajara vibrated as his fans and mariachis, who were seated on a platform covered in flowers, said goodbye to the Mexican music giant. Los Tres Potrillos’ public funeral was opened by the song “Mexico Lindo”. The coffin was decorated with his iconic charro hat. His private burial would take place Monday.
Fans were also aware of the timing of his death as Fernandez sang often on December 12th to commemorate the Catholic pilgrimage in Mexico City to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This event draws large crowds. After the pandemic, the commemoration was held on Sunday.
Vicente Fernandez Gomez, a son of Ramon Fernandez Gomez, was born in Huentitan El Alto, in the western state Jalisco on February 17, 1940. His childhood was spent on the ranch where his father Ramon Fernandez lived, just outside of San Francisco.
He sold over 50 million records and was featured in more than 30 movies. He was awarded a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.
He said farewell to Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in April 2016. For this occasion, spectators had traveled from all over the world to Mexico and Colombia.
