Joan Sebastian has died aged 64.
The five-time Grammy Award winner, who was one of Mexico’s most well-loved ballad singers, passed away at his ranch in Juliantla, Guerrero, Mexico on Monday (13.07.15) following a lengthy battle with bone cancer.
A representative of Universal Music Latin Entertainment-Fonovisa confirmed his death, although no details about a cause have yet been revealed.
Born Jose Manuel Figueroa, the musician had eight children – two of whom were shot in 2006 and 2010 – with five women and had fought cancer since 1999.
After being diagnosed with the disease, he was told he had gone into remission on numerous occasions, informing fans he was fighting cancer for a fourth time last year.
In April, it was confirmed the singer had been hospitalised as he received treatment following months of speculation about his ailing health.
Best known for his sentimental love songs such as ‘Secreto de Amor’ and ‘Tatuajes’, he released more than 50 albums during his career which spanned over 40 years.
Also known as ‘El Rey del Jaripeo’ – the King of Mexican Rodeo – Joan would frequently perform on horseback.
Joan Sebastian dies
