Despite growing up together in the same neighborhood, Maria del Refugio Abarca took time before becoming Vicente Fernandez’s wife. Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez and his doting wife Maria del Refugio Abarca Villasenor were together for over fifty years before his death in 2021. But not much is known about her.
We look at her life and years of marriage to the legendary Mexican entertainer.
Who Is Vicente Fernandez’s Wife, Maria del Refugio Abarca Villasenor?
Maria del Refugio Abarca, born on July 23, 1946, in Guadalajara, Mexico, gained prominence as the wife of Vicente Fernandez, a renowned figure. Their marital union commenced in 1963, and Maria is affectionately known as “Dona Cuquita.” Interestingly, they were childhood neighbors in Guadalajara, but their romantic involvement began when Fernandez relocated to Mexico City to pursue his music career.
During this period, Maria was introduced to Fernandez through her brother, who was friends with him. Initially, their relationship encountered obstacles due to Fernandez’s demanding schedule, resulting in a lack of quality time for Maria. Consequently, he suggested they move on from their relationship.
However, the power of love prevailed over his rationale, leading Fernandez to recognize the depth of his feelings for Maria and his determination to make their relationship work. He embarked on a journey to win her back, and his efforts proved successful as they eventually became engaged and tied the knot on December 27, 1963.
Throughout their married life, Maria and Fernandez have been blessed with four children: Alejandra, Gerardo, Alejandro, and Vicente Jr. They also enjoyed being grandparents to many grandchildren.
How Did Vicente Fernandez’s Wife React to His Cheating Allegations?
There are not many celebrity marriages that last for 50 years. But for Vicente Fernandez’s wife, the secret to marital success was to shun the news and internally work out marital issues. During Fernandez’s lifetime, he faced numerous allegations of infidelity.
Even though it was certain that he loved his wife dearly, he was rumored to have had affairs with different women. That list included Mexican actresses Merle Uribe and Paty Navida. But the musician always denied every allegation against him.
Despite the cheating allegations, Maria del Refugio Abarca refrained from making any public statements, leading many to believe that she preferred to handle it privately, away from the public eye.
Although during a social media rambling, the Mexican Ranchera legend asserted that ‘even he was not a saint.’ It made most believe he implied he was not faithful to Maria throughout his marital life.
Vicente Fernandez’s Career
Vicente Fernandez, known by various names such as Chente, El Charro de Huentitan (The Charro from Huentitan), El Idolo de Mexico (The Idol of Mexico), and El Rey de la Musica Ranchera (The King of Ranchera Music), stands as one of the most iconic Mexican singers and actors of all time.
His journey began as a street busker, and it took him a decade to establish his career. However, he eventually became a cultural icon, leaving a remarkable legacy. With a discography boasting over 50 albums and contributions to more than 30 movies, his repertoire primarily consists of rancheros and other beloved Mexican classics, often accompanied by a live mariachi group.
The year 1976 marked the turning point in his fame. His song “Volver Volver,” written in 1972, became a resounding success throughout the American continent. This song went on to be covered by more than twenty singers, including renowned artists such as Chavela Vargas.
In 1987, Fernandez embarked on his first international tour outside the United States and Mexico. He visited Bolivia and Colombia, further expanding his reach and popularity.
Throughout his illustrious career, Don Chente amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including three Grammy Awards, eight Latin Grammy Awards, and 14 Lo Nuestro Awards. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With over 50 million copies sold worldwide, he remains one of the best-selling regional artists ever.
How Did Fernandez’s Career End?
On February 8, 2012, Fernandez announced in a press conference his intention to retire from the stage, to the surprise of his fans. But he specified that he would continue recording albums. He decided to have time to enjoy his work, emphasizing that it was not due to health reasons.
True to his words, Vicente Fernandez continued to record albums and songs. In 2018, he released the album “Más romántico que nunca.” He also released “A Mis 80s” in 2020. The track earned him his ninth Latin Grammy Award for Best Ranchera Album in 2021.
However, following that period, the legendary artist fell at his home in Guadalajara. The fall resulted in him being rushed to the operating room. Reports indicated that he sustained a severe spinal injury that necessitated immediate surgery. He underwent cervical surgery and was subsequently moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for post-operative care.
Before the fall at his ranch, Vicente Fernandez had been battling Guillain-Barré syndrome. Additionally, he had previously undergone liver surgery to address a tumor. He also had three hernias removed and encountered pulmonary thrombosis.
Despite his health challenges, he stayed strong for his family until he couldn’t anymore. Fernandez died of health complications on December 12, 2021, and was survived by his loving wife, Maria, his children, and grandchildren.