Ian de Leon denies operation caused Nora Aunor’s death

Ian de Leon clarifies that his mom, Nora Aunor, did not pass away during surgery.

Ian de Leon (in black), along with his siblings Lotlot (left), Kenneth (in mask), and Matet (right), expressed their gratitude to the public for the outpouring of love and support for their late mother, Nora Aunor, the country’s only Superstar.
PHOTO/S: Screengrab ABS-CBN News on YouTube

Brothers Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth de Leon emotionally appeared before the media this Thursday afternoon, April 17, 2025, to give a statement regarding the death of their mother, Nora Aunor .

Ian is Nora’s only biological child with ex-husband Christopher de Leon.

Nora and Christopher’s adopted kids are Lotlot, Matet, Kenneth, and Kiko.

Nora Aunor (foreground) in a old photo with (L-R) Lotlot’s husband Fadi, Lotlot, Ian, Matet with kids, Kenneth, and Kenneth’s wife. 
Photo/s: Jerry Olea

At the said press conference, Ian served as the brothers’ spokesperson to read their prepared statement.

Ian’s opening statement: “First of all, thank you very much to those who loved, believed in, and supported our only mother.

“He helped many. He was loved by many. Many admired him because of his unique talent.”

“He changed many lives because of his kindness and authenticity, without any pretense, without any negative things shown.”

“As long as he loved truly, and that’s what’s so contagious, that’s why many people love him too.”

“We cannot avoid the events of life. God has plans, He has even better plans that we need to believe and have faith in Him.

“On behalf of my siblings, my family, my children, and my wife, thank you very much to all of you.

“To those who are already here and have plans to come here but can’t make it, just know that you are there supporting and loving our mother.”

IAN HONORS LATE MOTHER NORA

This was followed by Ian reading their prepared statement, in which the siblings recalled Nora’s goodness as a mother, sister, friend, and coworker when she was still alive.

He also highlighted Nora’s contribution to the entertainment industry as an award-winning singer and actress.

Ian said: “I just want to read something to you…This comes from our hearts.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we confirmed the passing of our beloved mother, Nora Aunor, national artist and the greatest actress in the history of Philippine cinema.

“She passed away peacefully last night, April 16, and surrounded by those who love her the most.

“From the very young age, our mom captivated hearts with her talent, grace, and unmatched voice.

“Over the decades, she built a career that shaped the very soul of our culture. Through songs, through screen, and through every role she brought life with brilliance.

“Her contribution to the arts is immeasurable. Her legacy will live on in every performance, every melody, and every person she inspires.”

The siblings also sincerely thanked all those who sent messages and prayers to their family amid the severe blow they are facing today.

Ani Ian: “We are profoundly grateful to everyone who reached out with love, prayers, and condolences.

“Your messages are powerful testament to how deeply she was cherished not just by us, but an entire nation.

“Thank you for honoring her life, her work, and the last thing, mark, she leaves behind,

“With love and heartfelt thanks, from us, her children, her family, and her friends.”

Read: Janine Gutierrez mourns death of two lolas, Pilita and Nora

IAN clarifies nora didn’t die during operation

During the said press conference, Ian was also asked if his mother’s cause of death was related to the surgery.

Ian’s direct answer to the question: “She did not.

“She was being operated on, and after that, she had a hard time breathing, and eventually all things went downhill from there, and that’s why they had to do another procedure after that.”

Ian did not mention the exact cause of his mother’s death.

Read: Urban Legends Part 3: Nora Aunor, the Superstar Phenomenon

PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) learned from a trusted source that Nora was confined to the hospital on April 10.

PEP Troika also has a separate report that on Holy Tuesday, April 16, Nora underwent angioplasty, which according to the medical website nhs.uk, is a medical procedure that opens blocked coronary arteries or the main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.

The PEP Troika report did not say anything about Nora’s cause of death.

Upon further research by PEP, it was discovered that Nora also has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which was the illness of the late Comedy King Dolphy.

COPD, according to the World Health Organization or WHO website, is a “common lung disease” that results in difficulty breathing.

The WHO also mentioned that it can cause other complications such as “lung infection, heart problems, weak muscles, and brittle bones.”

It is still unclear what exactly caused Nora’s death and what exactly was stated in her medical report.

PEP reported that Nora’s children were around her at the time she lost her life.

Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth were there. Only Kiko, who was still in Bicol, was not with their mother.

Read: Nora Aunor, surrounded by her children in her very last moments

Ian de Leon on What It Was Like Having Nora Aunor as a MOM

In the end, Ian emotionally said that even though their mother is gone, the many memories and lessons she taught them will remain.

He stated, “The lessons he left in our memories will never die. We will carry them with us for the rest of our lives.”

“The lessons he gave us will reach our children, our grandchildren.

“Those lessons are nothing more than believing in the Lord. Just come to Him no matter what trials come in life. We just need to be strong for the ones we love.”

Read: National Artist Nora Aunor expected to be given a state funeral

Aside from being close to God, there is one quality of Nora that Ian and Ian will never forget.

It is about being strong despite the challenges of life that he faced.

Nora’s oldest son said: “We went through a lot, but we were strong, because we saw that she was strong not only for herself, but for us.

“So to those who love and support him, who care and understand us, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart and from my brothers and sisters.”

“We saw his life, we all saw how he lived in front of the masses, the media, the entertainment industry.

“We also saw how he lived with us, with his family, personally.”

Ian added, “We learned a lot, that’s why we are very lucky, we are very blessed because we had Nora Aunor, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, as a mother.”