Filipino music legend Pilita Corrales, known as "Asia’s Queen of Songs," has passed away. She was 85 years old.
The cause of her death was not disclosed.
Corrales’ granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, confirmed the news through a Facebook post on Saturday.
"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," Gutierrez said.
"Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life," she added.
Born Pilar Garrido Corrales in Cebu in 1939, she rose to fame with a powerful voice and graceful stage presence that would define an illustrious career spanning over six decades.
Corrales made history as the first Filipino artist to top the Australian pop charts. She gained further international acclaim after receiving recognition at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972.
Beyond music, Corrales also made her mark in television and film. Her variety show, An Evening with Pilita, became a milestone in Philippine broadcast history.
Throughout her career, she recorded more than 135 albums and received several prestigious honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of Visayas.
Among her most beloved songs are "A Million Thanks to You" and "Kapantay ay Langit," both of which helped introduce Filipino music to audiences around the world.
