National Artist Nora Aunor, also known as “Ate Guy,” passed away on the night of April 16, 2025, at the age of 71. She had been admitted to The Medical City Ortigas in Pasig on April 10 and died of acute respiratory failure one day after undergoing a coronary angioplasty procedure.

According to her son, Ian de Leon, she experienced difficulty breathing after the procedure, which led to a decline in her condition and eventually to acute respiratory failure. In addition, she had also been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common illness that causes breathing difficulties and is often found in the elderly.

Earlier, in 2023, Nora Aunor shared that she had a serious incident when her oxygen levels dropped drastically, causing cardiac arrest for three minutes. She recalled that when she was brought to the hospital, no one responded quickly enough to help, and when she regained consciousness, she was already in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

After her death, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared April 22, 2025, as a “National Day of Mourning” in her honor. A state funeral was held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, and she was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig.

Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor Passes Away Today
Nora Aunor, the one and only Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, has passed away today. She was 71 years old.

Her son, Ian de Leon, confirmed the heartbreaking news through his Facebook account. Alongside a black-and-white photo of the Superstar, he wrote a message for his mother:
“We love you, Ma… God knows how much we love you… Rest now, Ma… You will always be in our hearts and minds.”

In a separate Facebook post, Ian also shared the family’s official statement regarding Ate Guy’s passing:
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor ‘Nora Aunor,’ who left us today, April 16, 2025, at the age of 71.
She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever. Details to be announced tomorrow.”

Aside from Ian, the movie and television icon is survived by her other children: Lotlot de Leon, Matet de Leon, Kiko de Leon, and Kenneth de Leon.

Ate Guy was the first Filipino actress to win the International Best Actress Award at the Cairo International Film Festival for her role in “The Flor Contemplacion Story.”

She is also the only Filipino actress included in the 100 Centennial Honors for the Arts, awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1999.

Coming from a poor family, Ate Guy sold peanuts and water at train stations in Bicol to help support her parents.

Eventually, she joined amateur singing contests in her town and rose to fame in 1967 after winning “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” which opened the door for her entry into showbiz.

She landed a recording contract and became a popular singer in the Philippines during the 1960s, releasing numerous hit songs.

Ate Guy also starred in more than 170 films and TV series, both with ABS-CBN and GMA 7.