The Tejano music community mourns the loss of Criselda Cantu Hernandez, the beloved wife of music legend Little Joe, who passed away at the age of 86. The sad news was announced in a heartfelt statement shared by Little Joe Y La Familia, expressing their deep sorrow and broken hearts.
“It is with our deepest sorrows and broken hearts that we share the news of La Familia’s First Lady Criselda Cantu Hernandez making her ascent into heaven on Thursday, October 10, 2024. At her time of passing, she was entirely surrounded by her family at home,” the statement read.
Joe and Cris shared an extraordinary journey together, spending 69 years as a couple, with 62 of those years as husband and wife. Criselda is survived by her husband Joe, their four children Ivan, Christie, Ike, and Ady, her four grandchildren Amber, Josh, Catalina, and Jazzmeen, her three step-grandchildren Jennifer, Josie, and Greg, and her brother Leonel. She is preceded in death by her father Manuel, mother Hermina, and sisters Estella and Angie.
Criselda was a pivotal figure in the Tejano music industry. She served as the president of Leona Records and co-founded DeLeon Publishing. Alongside Joe, she co-founded Little Joe and The Latinaires, which later became Little Joe Y La Familia. In the early days of Joe’s career, Cris played a crucial role as a costumer and seamstress, creating outfits for Joe and the band.
“We so deeply miss our wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, friend, protector, and angel. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and respectfully ask for privacy during our time of grieving. We love you Cris,” the statement concluded.
A recent viral video clip of Little Joe at the Festival Chicano in Houston, Texas on October 4, showed the 83-year-old singer foreshadowing this sad news. He said, “I’ve been, well, just let’s say distracted. A lot of things are going on in my life that I have to confront, and I will have to make a big difficult decision not too long from now. And I try to clear my mind of it but it’s there because it’s the inevitable and it’s going to change my life. Pero con el favor de Dios and your support I’ll get over it.”
Tejano Nation sends heartfelt condolences to Little Joe y La Familia on the passing of Criselda Cantu Hernandez. Her legacy of love, dedication, and support will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Little Joe’s illustrious career spans over six decades, during which he has released more than 70 albums and won multiple Grammy Awards. His contributions to Tejano music have made him a beloved figure in the genre, and his influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
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May she rest in peace. She will be in our hearts and prayers. God bless the family.
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Our prayers an love are with you and your family. One day we will never have to experience the pain of loosing our loved one. Rev. 21:3-4. Hold onto the good memories of your wife and your times together. She is now sleeping and resting and one day she will hear GOD’S voice to wake up and she will be whole and in good health.
We luv you Mr. Joe, we grew up with your music flowing throughout my house as a child. Your music can not compare to those of today’s Tejano music. You paved the way for other Latinos to step up and show that nothing can stop them. We are sure that your wife stood by you during good and bad times as a strong woman. Hold onto that.
Sincerely
The Maza & Lara
family in Texas City, Texas
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We are sorry for your lost!!! My God be with you and your family at this time of life!!! You have our condolences and our deepest sympathy!!! Keep your faith and spirits up!!! God bless you and your family!!! From Sylvia Gonzales and Henderson family from Michigan!!
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