Singer and songwriter Selena Quintanilla was murdered thirty years ago in 1995. She was just 23 years old. Nevertheless, her presence and influence are still keenly felt by her husband. With the release of a Netflix documentary about her called Selena y Los Dinos, Chris Perez is reflecting on Selena's life, her music, and his steadfast love for her. The beloved Queen of Tejano is still enshrined in his heart.
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How Chris Perez and Selena's Relationship Evolved
Per People, Perez, 56, said, "We were friends first, so I got to know her on that level. I worried her dad would kill us, but when she wanted something, she was determined." They fell in love. Despite her family's disapproval, Chris and Selena tied the knot in 1992. The two were very young; both were in their early twenties. Only three years later, she was shot and lost her life.
Perez Still Cherishes Her Memory, as Do Her Fans
It's as if Selena is still here, advising and guiding Perez. He shared per the outlet, "I think about Selena every day. When I'm making a decision, I can hear her in my head, like, 'I don't know — are you sure you wanna do that?'"
Perez noted and respected her abundant musical gifts. "There are a lot of talented people out there, but she just had something special. It's not just the voice, but the way she did it. She's such a beloved figure and an icon that her fans, especially, want to know more about her."
Her Shocking Passing Changed Him Forever
Perez concedes, "I'm Chris before all of that happened, and Chris after. She's a part of both sides. I've lived with her presence in thoughts and feelings and music. That's become my new normal. But I can't watch the end of the documentary about her death. It's just difficult."
The memories Perez has of Selena are something he prizes dearly. They had very little time together as a married couple, but he keeps those recollections of her close to his heart. "As time has gone on, you romanticize it even more. The love story is a big part of her legacy. My most prized possessions are her love letters. I hope that her fans, or the people who watch the documentary, understand how lucky I feel to even have that."
