By Manila Echo News | July 21, 2025

Manila, Philippines – In a turn of events that has left the nation both mourning and stunned, the children of the legendary singer Pilita Corrales—revered as Asia’s Queen of Songs—have finally spoken out, revealing the long-guarded cause of her death, which had been shrouded in mystery and respectful silence since her passing.

And what they said has rocked fans to their core.

“We kept it quiet because she asked us to,” said one of her children, voice trembling. “But now, it’s time people knew the truth. She didn’t want pity—she wanted peace.”

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🌹 A NATION IN SHOCK AND MOURNING

When news of Pilita Corrales’ passing broke last week, millions across the Philippines and beyond were left in heartbreaking disbelief. Known for her timeless voice, powerful stage presence, and the warm smile that lit up every concert hall, Pilita was more than an icon—she was a symbol of Filipino pride.

But something felt… off.

The initial family statement described her passing as “peaceful and surrounded by loved ones,” but did not give specifics. Rumors circulated: was it age-related? A sudden illness? Or something worse?

Now, we know.

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⚠️ THE SECRET ILLNESS SHE FOUGHT IN SILENCE

According to her daughter, Pilita had been battling a rare form of neurodegenerative disease, diagnosed more than five years ago.

“She was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)—a disease so rare, most people haven’t even heard of it,” her son revealed in an emotional press conference. “It slowly takes away your ability to move, speak, even swallow.”

What’s more shocking?

She didn’t tell anyone beyond her closest family.

“She didn’t want people to see her in a wheelchair,” her daughter added. “She said, ‘I want to be remembered standing tall on stage, singing, not fading in silence.’”

And so, for five years, Pilita Corrales lived with quiet strength, hiding a disease that gradually dimmed her body—but never touched her spirit.

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🎤 HER LAST PERFORMANCE: A FAREWELL IN DISGUISE

Fans now look back at her last televised performance—a heart-wrenching rendition of “A Million Thanks to You” during a tribute concert last year—with new eyes.

“She moved slower. She leaned on a stool. But her voice—my God, it was still magic,” said longtime friend and singer Dulce. “We didn’t know she was saying goodbye.”

Behind the scenes, her family revealed, Pilita insisted on performing without assistance, hiding tremors and fatigue, determined to go out the way she lived—on her own terms.

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💔 A FAMILY TORN BY GRIEF & GUILT

In their press statement, the family shared the emotional toll of keeping the secret, as well as the guilt they now carry.

“We watched her weaken, forget lyrics she once sang in her sleep… It broke us,” her son confessed. “But she made us promise—no hospitals, no tears in public, no fanfare. ‘Just let me go with dignity.’ And we honored that.”

But honoring it meant carrying a secret that grew heavier with every passing day.

Now, in the wake of her death, they say it’s time to speak, both to honor her legacy and to raise awareness about the cruel disease she quietly endured.

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🌟 PILITA’S LEGACY: MORE THAN JUST MUSIC

With a career spanning over seven decades, Pilita Corrales was more than a singer—she was a cultural institution. The first Filipino to win international music awards. The woman who sang in Tagalog, English, Spanish, and Cebuano with effortless grace. A trailblazer for generations of artists.

And now, we learn, she was also a warrior—battling a rare disease with grit, grace, and fierce privacy.

“She didn’t want pity,” said her daughter. “She wanted music, laughter, and joy around her. Even in pain.”

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📢 THE PUBLIC REACTS: “SHE GAVE EVEN IN SILENCE”

Social media has exploded with grief and admiration since the family’s statement.

“I’m crying. She carried that burden for us. She gave us music while she suffered in silence.”
“Pilita didn’t just sing—she sacrificed. That’s a queen.”
“No one will ever take her place. We lost a voice, but we gained a legend.”

https://youtu.be/cVsWvIW2s-0

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🕯️ THE FAREWELL SHE WANTED

Per her wishes, Pilita’s wake was simple, adorned with orchids and boleros playing softly. No national anthem. No grand displays.

Instead, letters from fans were read aloud. One from a girl in Leyte. Another from an OFW in Dubai. One line stood out:

“You were the voice of my childhood, my comfort during heartbreaks, and the reason I sang again after depression.”

That letter was buried with her.

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✨ FINAL WORD

In the end, Pilita Corrales gave everything—her voice, her passion, even her silence—for the people she loved and the nation that adored her.

She didn’t just leave behind a legacy of music. She left a lesson in grace, courage, and dignity.

The Queen of Songs may be gone…

…but her melody lives on.

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🕊️ Rest in peace, Pilita. You kept the pain quiet so the music could be loud. We hear you still.

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Pilita Corrales dead at 85: Filipina singer known as ‘Asia’s Queen of Songs’ is mourned across the globe

Pilita Corrales, the Filipina singer who was known as ‘Asia‘s Queen of Songs,’ has passed away at the age of 85.

The star began her music career in the late 50s and notably recorded over 135 albums spanning over six decades.

Pilita’s granddaughter Janine Gutierrez confirmed her death in a moving Instagram statement on Saturday as she reflected on the performer’s ‘kindness’ and ‘contributions’ to music.

‘It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,’ she began alongside a black and white photo of Corrales.

‘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.’

Gutierrez concluded with, ‘Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life.’

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Pilita Corrales, the Filipina singer who was known as ‘ Asia ‘s Queen of Songs,’ has passed away at the age of 85; pictured in 1973

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Pilita’s granddaughter Janine Gutierrez confirmed her death in a moving Instagram statement on Saturday as she reflected on the performer’s ‘kindness’ and ‘contributions’ to music

Details regarding a memorial service will later be revealed – and an exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Social media users soon jumped to X to mourn the loss of Corrales upon hearing the news of her passing.

One penned, ‘A true icon whose voice shaped generations may her songs live on and comfort those she left behind.’

Another typed out, ‘Condolensces to her loved ones she was such a beautiful Filipina singer,’ and a fan added, ‘The music world bows to your legacy. #RIPPilitaCorrlaes.’

‘Graceful voice. Timeless presence. She left music better than she found it,’ one wrote, as another also commented, ‘RIP to his Queen!’

An X user shared, ‘So sorry to hear about the passing of Pilita Corrales. Her incredible voice and contributions to music will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Queen of Songs.’

‘Such a loss. Asia’s Queen of Songs will never be forgotten,’ one typed, and another added, ‘A legend never really leaves us.’

Pilita was born in Cebu City, Philippines in 1939 to parents Jose Corrales de Zaragoza and Maria Garrido Manzano.

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Details regarding a memorial service will later be revealed – and an exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed

Social media users soon jumped to X to mourn the loss of Corrales upon hearing the news of her passing

Another typed out, ‘Condolensces to her loved ones she was such a beautiful Filipina singer,’ and a fan added, ‘The music world bows to your legacy. #RIPPilitaCorrlaes’

‘Graceful voice. Timeless presence. She left music better than she found it,’ one wrote, as another also commented, ‘RIP to his Queen!’

In the late 1950s, Pilita’s career began when she briefly lived in Australia at the time and made appearances on the Victoria Television Circuit.

She debuted her first hit titled Come Closer To Me in 1959 and was also labeled as one of the ‘Great Dames of Victorian Radio and Television.’

Throughout the late 50s and early 60s, the late star also released albums such as This Is Pilita and I’ll Take Romance.

Corrales also appeared in the second episode of the television special Love Is In The Air for ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company).

In 1963, she returned to Manila to focus on furthering her music career and hosted a radio show called La Taverna where she performed songs in Spanish. She also took to the stage at the Manila Grand Opera House.

Throughout the 60s and into the 70s, Pilita continued to record songs not only in Spanish, but also in English, Tagalog and Cebuano.

She also performed on the show called Seeing The Stars With Joe Quirino and additionally made songs with Filipino composers such as Danny Holmsen, George Canseco and Ryan Cayabyab.

Sammy Davis Jr. invited Pilita to perform at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in the 1970s and she became the first Filipino singer to do so.

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In 1963, she returned to Manila to focus on furthering her music career and hosted a radio show called La Taverna where she performed songs in Spanish. She also took to the stage at the Manila Grand Opera House

In 1972, Corrales also became the first Filipino to win an international music festival during the 1st Tokyo Music Festival.

Other milestones that she made during her music career included receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry.

She also received an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of the Visayas and was a judge on Philippine Idol.

Other hit tracks that Pilita is known for include A Million Thanks To You as well as Kapantay Ay Langit.

Aside from her music career, the late singer also stepped in front of the camera and co-hosted An Evening With Pilita.

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Other milestones that she made during her music career included receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry

She also landed roles on the big screen and made appearances in projects such as Zamboanga (1966). Corrales had the chance to work alongside other stars including Fernando Poe Jr. and Dolphy.

In 1963, Pilita married Gonzalo Blanco but the pair separated before his death in 1981. She later tied the knot with Carlos Lopez in 2001.

Corrales is survived by her two children Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez.

Her granddaughter Janine Gutierrez is a Filipina actress who is known for the series Lavender Fields as well as Dirty Linen. She currently boasts 2.4 million followers on Instagram.