Pilita Corrales passes away at 85
Asia's Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales has died at 85.
Her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, announced the news on social media, saying that her beloved mamita has passed away.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales," she wrote.
"Pilita touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family," the Lavender Fields star continued.
Gutierrez asked the public to join her family in praying for her grandmother's soul.
She said that further details regarding memorial services will be shared soon.
The impact of the OPM icon's passing was also felt throughout the entertainment industry, with stars such as Zsa Zsa Padilla and Jericho Rosales writing their tributes.
“Rest in peace and farewell to the one & only Asia's Queen of Songs, Ms. Pilita Corrales. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!” Coleen Garcia-Crawford wrote.
Padilla also expressed grief at Corrales' passing, whom she sees as her “inspiration.”
“Dearest Tita Pilita, it’s hard to imagine a world without you. I can still vividly hear your voice, see your beautiful face, and feel your warmth, charm, and unmatched humor. You were truly one of a kind,” she began her caption.
“I’ll never forget the first time we worked together—what an honor it was to finally get to know you beyond the icon I had long admired,” Zsazsa continued, noting how Pilita was always “so candid, so funny, so full of life.”
“I will miss your stories deeply. I will forever treasure the advice you’ve shared with me. And with great sadness, I say goodbye… to my idol, my inspiration,” she added.
“Thank you for your greatness. Thank you for your songs, which will forever live in my heart. Maraming salamat. I love you, Tita. My deepest condolences to your family.”
“Her songs [are] engraved in my mother’s heart. Beyond grateful for this artist,” Rosales wrote in his Instagram story.
Fans and more celebrities also expressed their condolences in the comments section of Gutierrez's post.
“Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family, Janine,” Bela Padilla commented.
“OH MY GOODNESSS! Sincerest condolences,” renowned designer Rajo Laurel wrote.
“So sorry for your loss Janine,” host Bianca Gonzalez commented.
Corrales is survived by her children, Jackielou Blanco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, and her grandchildren, Arabella and Rikki Mae Davao, and Maxine, Diego, Jessica, and Janine Gutierrez.
Known for her signature backend when singing, Corrales amassed a discography of 135 albums throughout her six decades in the music industry.
Notably, her single A Million Thanks to You achieved a significant milestone, becoming one of the few songs by Filipino artists to reach the number one spot on the Philippine chart in the 60s.
Aside from A Million Thanks to You, some of her most memorable songs include Kapantay ay Langit, Rosas Pandan, and Matud Nila.
