Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty

Vicente Fernández accepts his special award from Ricky Martin performs onstage during the 20th annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Latin music industry is mourning the death ofVicente Fernández.

Ricky Martin,Maluma, andGloria Estefanwere among the many friends and fans who paid tribute to the late mariachi legend, whodiedSunday at age 81, four months after hesuffered a fallthat put him on a ventilator in the ICU.

“My heart is broken. Don Chente was an angel to me his entire life. He loved me and I loved him. Whenever I went to Guadalajara, he’d come to my concerts and go. The only thing that makes my soul feel better in this moment is that every time that we saw each other, I told him how important he was to me,” Martin, 49,wroteon Twitter. “All my love and strength to his family and everyone suffering this great loss.”

“Today is a difficult and painful day for the world of music with the loss of a Mexican titan who, for decades, took his roots to the highest all over the world,” Estefan, 64,wrote, posting a photo of Fernández on Instagram.

“Don Vicente Fernández leaves us with a legacy of songs, movies and new generations who will continue to sing his songs and elevate his name with every note. Sharing my condolences to his family and with everyone who loved and respected him. I am one of his biggest fans and will continue loving him, respecting hi. And admiring the great person he was and the footprints he leaves in history,” she continued.

Mario Lopezalso posted a tribute on Instagram. “Vicente Fernández was not just a singer. He was the voice of a culture who filled the households of many of us who grew up listening to his songs. His music is the soundtrack to a ton of memories,” hewrote. “Today all of Mexico and the world mourn one of the best ever. Damn, I’m sad…”

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“The legend of all legends. You will be missed but never forgotten,“wrotePitbull, adding: “Enjoy the heavens and some tequila from king to king. Dale maestro!”

“One of Latin music’s biggest idols has left. His voice echoes always in the cantinas of my soul,” wroteJuaneswith aphotoof Vicente. “RIP,“Prince Royceposted with anotherphoto.

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Country starGeorge Straitalso paid tribute to his fellow music legend onTwitter. “Sad news today. We lost The amazing legendary Vicente Fernández this morning. One of my heroes. May he Rest In Peace and may God bless and comfort his family,” he wrote. “Hasta la Cruz Chente!!”

Fernández famously won four Grammys and eight Latin Grammys and is responsible for writing some of the genre’s biggest hits, including “Por Tu Maldito Amor,” “Volver Volver,” “Acá Entre Nos,” “Hermoso Cariño,” “Mujeres Divinas,” and covers such as “El Rey” and “Camino de Guanajuato,” to name a few.

El Ídolo de México’s familyannounced the musician’s deathSunday morning on Instagram. “It was an honor and a great pride to share with everyone his great musical career. He gave everything to his audience,” read the post. “Thank you for continuing to applaud, thank you for continuing to sing.”

The ranchero star’s death comes after his family shared in August that hewas in “serious but stable” conditionand on a ventilator following a fall at his Guadalajara ranch.

source: people.com