Chris Pérez and Selena Quintanilla-Pérez had a romance of Shakespearian proportions, from sneaking under her father's notice to an early '90s elopement. Following the star singer's tragic death, Chris has been a fundamental voice in continuing to mark her musical legacy.
But what has he been up to in recent years and how has the guitarist continued to grow his own musical career?
© Getty ImagesChris Pérez was the lead guitarist of Elena y Los Dinos
Who is Chris Pérez?
Chris Pérez is an American guitarist, former lead guitar for Selena y Los Dinos and widower of the iconic singer. He was born in Texas on 14 August 1969.
Chris founded the Chris Pérez Band which won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album for their album 'Resurrection'.
© Getty ImagesChris and Selena met in 1989 when he was brought into her band as a guitarist
Their love story
Selena met her husband Chris in 1989 when he was hired as a guitarist for her band Selena y Los Dinos. He eventually confessed his feelings in a Pizza Hut and they decided to start dating, without telling her father who was reportedly worried about Chris' rock and roll image.
heir relationship was eventually discovered by her father, but that wasn't enough to stop the young lovers. They eloped in 1992 and had started discussing plans for a baby prior to the singer's death.
© Getty ImagesSelena built an impressive catalogue of hit tracks across her career
Career success
Known as the 'Queen of Tejano Music', Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was an American singer-songwriter born on 16 April 1971 in Lake Jackson, Texas.
Selena is best remembered for tracks like 'Como la Flor', 'Bidi Bidi Bom Bom' and 'Dreaming of You'.
© Getty ImagesSelena tragically died in 1995 and has since been remembered with a bio pic and documentary film
A lost music legend
Selena was tragically murdered on 31 March, 1995. The singer was fatally shot by the former president of her fan club who she had entrusted with managing her clothing boutiques. The incident occurred following a confrontation over financial discrepancies.
Selena has since been memorialised with a Hollywood Star, 1997 bio-pic Selena starring Jennifer Lopez and 2025 documentary Selena y Los Dinos.
© Variety via Getty ImagesChris is still active as a musician today and a happy father-of-two
Where is he now?
He describes himself on Instagram as a "Grammy Award winning instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur [and] author". In 2022, Chris took on a new role as lead vocalist on single 'Pushing Ahead'.
Chris remarried in 2001, tying the knot with Vanessa Villanueva. The couple welcomed two children,
Cassie and Noah Pérez, during their marriage. They split in 2008 after seven years of marriage.
