At the age of 85, Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, has passed away. Today (April 12, 2025), members of the legendary singer-songwriter’s family took to social media to announce her death, noting that details on memorial services are soon to follow.
In a post written by the Lavender Fields actress Janine Gutierrez, Corrales’ granddaughter, she paid tribute to her grandmother’s longstanding history of shaping the Philippine entertainment industry; “Pilita touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her 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.”
Pilita Corrales is a legend and mainstay in the Philippine entertainment industry, bringing to life many hits in Original Pilipino Music like “Ang Pipit,” “Kapantay ay Langit,” “A Million Thanks to You,” and more. In honor of her grandmother’s legacy, Gutierrez is also producing a documentary dubbed with the simple yet powerful title, Pilita. “I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to help preserve Mamita’s amazing legacy and I hope this project becomes another way for younger generations to learn about her story—not just as a legendary performer, but as a woman who defied expectations and truly paved the way,” Gutierrez stated in an Instagram post.
Corrales was the first artist to ever receive the Billboard Philippines Women in Music Icon Award in March 2024. Accepting the award on behalf of her mother, Jackie Lou Blanco expressed, “We are so proud of her. Hindi lang siya mahusay kumanta, hindi niya lang mahal yung ginagawa niya pero mas gusto niya tumulong at mas gusto niya ‘yung ibang singers na marating din ‘yung narating niya and even more (She’s not just a great singer who loved what she did, but she preferred helping other singers reach what she achieved and even more).” As a final note, she added, “I am so proud and so blessed that I have a mom na hindi lang kasing galing niya kundi napakabait ng puso at laging gustong tumulong and i-share ang talento niya (who isn’t just as gifted as she is but also kind-hearted and always ready help and share her talents).