Selena Quintanilla died 20 years ago today.
It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since Selena Quintanilla was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldivar, who was the president of her fan club.
Selena Quintanilla and Saldivar got into a fight over allegations that Saldivar was embezzling money from the fan club and fashion boutiques. After the argument, Saldivar shot Selena, severing an artery.
Selena Quintanilla ran to escape Saldivar, but she collapsed in the hotel lobby after losing a lot of blood and later died.
While the time since Selena Quintanilla was killed has flown by for the rest of us, her family is reminded of her everyday.
Her family, including Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, her sister, Suzette Quintanilla-Arriaga, and her brother, Abraham Quintanilla III, who also goes by A.B., have dedicated their lives to preserving her memory.
In the South Texas city of Corpus Christie, where Selena Quintanilla was born and raised, her presence is felt everywhere.
But, at the epicenter of the memory of Selena Quintanilla stands her family’s entertainment company, Q-Productions, Inc.
The building is full of offices, recording studios, and even a performance stage. But, at the center of everything is a memorial to their beloved daughter and sister, Selena Quintanilla.
In the large open room dedicated to Selena Quintanilla, there are many of her awards and plaques on display as well as some of her more memorable performance outfits.
There is also a large collection of glass eggs, which were a treasured possesion of Selena Quintanilla’s.
Selena Quintanilla’s sister, Suzette says that sometimes it’s all overwhelming to see everyday, but sometimes it is a sweet reminder of the legacy that her sister left behind.
She said, “For the most part, it’s a good thing. You can hear her fans talking, and it’s really cool to be honest with you.”
She added, “I can hear the little ones talking about the egg collection outside my door, and the mother explaining as to why Selena liked eggs. Then there are times when little ones talk amongst themselves, talking about her. That brings me so much joy, because they weren’t even a thought when she passed away but yet they have this love for her, that’s because her parents are passing on her legacy on to them.”
It’s nice to hear that even though 20 years have gone by since Selena Quintanilla’s passing, her family is still keeping her close to her fans.
What was your favorite Selena song?
