In a scene that left many in stunned silence and heavy emotion, Ian de Leon — son of the late “Superstar” Nora Aunor — reportedly broke down in uncontrollable tears after reading his mother’s last will and testament. The moment occurred during a private family gathering following the icon’s funeral, as close relatives began the process of honoring her final wishes.

According to sources close to the family, Nora Aunor’s will contained deeply personal messages addressed individually to her children. But it was her letter to Ian that drew overwhelming emotion. Described as “raw, heartfelt, and filled with longing,” the message reportedly acknowledged their past differences, expressed deep love, and included a final plea for healing and unity among her children.

Witnesses said Ian could barely finish reading the letter aloud. “He was trembling, his voice cracked halfway,” said one relative. “There were no cameras, no spotlights — just a son, shattered by a mother’s final words.”

The late Nora Aunor, hailed as one of the Philippines’ most celebrated actresses, had a complex relationship with her children — particularly Ian. Over the years, rumors of estrangement often surrounded them, although both parties expressed respect and quiet love in separate interviews.

What made the will even more poignant was the clarity and softness of Nora’s voice in her written words. “Forgive where I failed, remember me when you sing,” one line allegedly read — a hauntingly poetic reference to her legendary music and acting career.

As the news of Ian’s emotional breakdown circulated, fans across the country shared their own memories of Nora Aunor and expressed sympathy for her family’s grief. Hashtags like #FarewellSuperstar and #NoraAunorLegacy trended on social media, with many praising her vulnerability and devotion to her children despite the challenges.

The reading of the will marked another powerful chapter in the farewell to Nora Aunor — not just the nation’s “Superstar,” but a mother who, in her final words, tried to mend hearts that fame and time may have distanced.

Ian De Leon, family, speaks out on cause of Nora Aunor’s death
The orphaned children of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and Superstar Nora Aunor, Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth de Leon, addressed the media on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025, to issue a statement regarding the death of their mother on the night of Maundy Wednesday, April 16.

The confirmation of Ate Guy’s passing came from a Facebook post by her biological son Ian, who is also an actor, and their son with ex-husband Christopher De Leon.

Ian himself became the spokesperson for the family. He thanked all those who loved, believed in, and supported their Superstar mother.

“She helped many. She loved many. Many admired her because of her unique talent. She changed many lives because of her kindness and authenticity, without any plasticity, without any negative shown,” he said.

As long as he loved truly and that is what is so contagious that many people love him. We cannot avoid the events of life. God has plans, He has more beautiful plans that we need to believe and have faith in Him.”

“To our family, on behalf of my siblings, my family, my children, and my wife, thank you very much to all of you,” he said.

After this, Ian read the confirmation of their mother’s passing.

“She passed away peacefully last night, April 16, surrounded by those who love her the most,” was part of the statement. Ian also wondered if it was true that the cause of Ate Guy’s death was due to her surgery. It turned out that the veteran actress was confined to the hospital on April 10. On Holy Tuesday, April 15, the Superstar underwent angioplasty, something that was confirmed in a Facebook post by movie director and writer Ronaldo Carballo, who is still in shock over what happened because they were still talking on Facebook Messenger on Holy Monday, April 14.

Ian clarified that their mother did not die during the surgery.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, based on the viewing and mass details released by Lotlot De Leon, on Tuesday next week after Holy Week, the National Artist will be taken to his final destination, to be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.