Photo credit: Janine Gutierrez

It’s truly the end of an era.

The Philippines is mourning the loss of a legend as Pilita Corrales, fondly known as Asia’s Queen of Song, has passed away at the age of 85. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, in a touching post on social media.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” Janine wrote. “She touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity.”

For many Filipinos, Pilita wasn’t just a singer — she was the voice of a generation. Her timeless renditions of classics like “Usahay” and “Matud Nila” cemented her legacy as a champion of Visayan music. Her signature backwards lean — the iconic liyad — every time she hit a high note became part of her unmistakable stage presence.

From her rise to stardom in the 1960s to her crossover into film and television, Pilita’s career spanned more than six decades. She released a staggering 135 albums, becoming a household name not just in the Philippines, but across Asia. And just last year, a documentary titled “Asia’s Queen of Song” was announced to be in development, with Janine Gutierrez on board as one of the producers — a loving tribute from granddaughter to grandmother.

As tributes poured in from all over the country, fellow artists and public figures remembered her not just for her extraordinary talent, but for her warmth, wit, and generosity.

Singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla shared a deeply emotional message on Instagram:

“It’s hard to imagine a world without you… You were always so candid, so funny, so full of life… Thank you for your greatness. Thank you for your songs, which will forever live in my heart. I love you, Tita.”

Janno Gibbs, who had the honor of recording a duet with Pilita, recalled her excitement about filming her very first music video:

“Your voice stayed golden till the end.”

Even Senator Grace Poe expressed her condolences and admiration:

“Si Pilita ang halimbawa na ang tunay na ganda at talento ay hindi kumukupas sa pagdaan ng mga taon… Isang milyong pasasalamat sa iyong kontribusyon sa sining at industriya.”

As the nation grieves, fans and loved ones are holding on to the music, the memories, and the legacy Pilita Corrales leaves behind — one filled with elegance, laughter, and songs that will never fade.

Details about her memorial services will be announced in the coming days.