TV star Johnny Canales has died at the age of 77.
The musician and broadcaster’s family announced their loss on Friday.
Johnny’s wife, Nora, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook on Friday, according to TMZ.
The outlet added that Nora didn’t give a cause of death in the social media statement.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Johnny Canales,” Nora wrote via the page dedicated to Johnny’s show.
“He was more than just a beloved husband, father, TV host, musician, and entertainer; he was a beacon of hope and joy for countless people. His infectious charisma and dedication to promoting Latino music and culture left a large mark on the world.
“Johnny’s spirit will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the legacy he built.”
The announcement concluded, “We thank you all for your kind words, love, and support during this difficult time. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Remember him not with sadness, but with the joy and passion he always brought into our lives.”
Alongside his wife, Johnny has two grown daughters, Zelestial and Miroslava.
This March, Nora, Zelestial, and Miroslava joined together to inform fans about Johnny’s health.
“Thank you all for all your love, for your prayers. We are taking care of Johnny. He’s in good hands. Thank you all for your prayers, for nonstop loving. We’re exhausted. We’ve been through a lot.
“It’s a blessing that you’re with us spiritually in prayers that holds a big love in our hearts. Do know that he is okay, that he is stable. He’s never been in the hospital, has never touched a hospital. He’s never been there,” Nora told fans on Facebook, according to Tejano Nation.
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“We also have medical people coming to check on him every day, so he’s being very well taken care of, guys,” Miroslava added.
Johnny had reportedly struggled with health issues in the years before his death, after suffering a stroke in 2008.
LEGEND LOST
Many fans responded to Nora’s post to share their sympathies and their memories of Johnny.
“Our deepest sympathies to the Canales family and family of fans. He was our childhood and a staple in the industry and his legacy is unprecedented,” one person wrote.
The Johny Canales Show Stars
The Johnny Canales Show gave a platform to Tejano musicians who often went on to become major stars.
Selena Quintanilla – ‘Queen of Tejano Music’
La Sombra – Inducted in the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame
La Mafia – Five-time Grammy Award winners
Jennifer Peña – Grammy Award nominee
Los Tigres del Norte – 32 million album sales
Johnny was born in Mexico in 1947, and became known as a Tejano singer and pioneer.
After working in radio, the beloved star began producing The Johnny Canales Show in 1983.
The television show highlighted Tejano music from the US and Mexico, and ran until its cancelation in 2005.
Many huge stars appeared on the show, and Johnny has been credited with giving Selena Quintanilla her big breakout opportunity.
Selena appeared on the show for her 13th birthday, and delivered one of her first-ever live performances.
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