First Wife of Johnny Canales Claims Widow Status in Legal Battle Over Estate

The estate of Tejano TV legend Johnny Canales is at the center of a heated legal battle following his passing on June 12, 2024. The dispute intensified when Sylvia Castillo, who claims to be Canales’ first and legal wife, presented a marriage certificate dated August 13, 1980, from Duval County, Texas. Castillo asserts that she and Canales were never divorced, making her his legal widow under Texas law.

Advertisements

This revelation challenges the validity of Canales’ 1995 marriage to Nora Canales, who has been widely recognized as his spouse and co-host of “El Show de Johnny y Nora Canales”. Castillo’s attorney, Steve Lopez, has filed a temporary injunction to prevent Nora Canales from selling or transferring any properties owned by Johnny Canales’ estate. The hearing on the petition is scheduled for today (Nov. 6) in Nueces County with Judge Deanne Galvan at County Court at Law 3.

Lopez released the following statement: “Sylvia Castillo and Johnny Canales were married in 1980. They have never been divorced, nor had their marriage annulled. As such, Ms. Castillo is Mr. Canales’ surviving spouse – and like any other surviving spouse, has rights under Texas law. We understand that this may be surprising to Mr. Canales’ fans – but the folks who knew Mr. Canales best always knew about his marriage to Ms. Castillo.”

According to KRIS 6 News, the filing by Castillo is seeking “monetary relief of $250,000 or less and nonmonetary relief.” It also states that “Defendant, Nora Canales is aware and has been aware for decades she is not the true spouse of (Johnny) Canales.”

A hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2025, with Judge David Stith in the 319th District Court to determine the legal relationship between Johnny Canales and Sylvia Castillo, who now resides in Loudon County, Virginia.

The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the distribution of Canales’ estate and the legacy of the beloved Tejano star. Fans and the Tejano community are closely watching as this legal drama unfolds, hoping for a resolution that honors Johnny Canales’ contributions to Tejano music and culture. Stay tuned to TejanoNation.net for updates on this developing story.

Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.