Metro Manila, Philippines – Celebrated Filipina entertainment icon and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales died on Saturday, granddaughter Janine Gutierrez confirmed. She was 85.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” Gutierrez said on an Instagram post. She recounted how Pilita touched the lives of many with her songs, 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,” the actress said. Corrales’ cause of death has yet to be revealed. Gutierrez said details of her memorial services will be announced soon. Once dubbed as “The Greatest Singer in the Philippines,” Corrales has recorded over 135 albums during her sparkling career which spanned more than six decades.The veteran artist rose to fame in the 1960s and is now remembered for timeless hits “A Million Thanks to You” and “Kapantay ay Langit.”Corrales is also widely known for her songs which celebrate the artistry of Bisaya music and for her renditions of folk songs like “Usahay” and “Matud Nila.”From music, Corrales expanded her influence to television and film. Her variety show “An Evening with Pilita” is considered a landmark in Philippine broadcasting.Some of the icon’s multiple accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of Visayas.
