Rigo Tovar was a Mexican musician, singer and actor who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with his unique blend of cumbia, bolero, rock and soul music. He was known as “El Ídolo de México” (Mexico’s Idol) and “El Ídolo de las Multitudes” (The Idol of the Masses) for his charismatic personality and passionate performances. He sold over 30 million albums and broke several attendance records in Mexico and Latin America, earning the nickname “Bigger Than the Pope”. He also starred in several movies and influenced many artists of different genres. However, his life was cut short by a tragic death that shocked his fans and the music industry. In this article, we will explore the cause of death of Rigo Tovar and how it affected his legacy.
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The Health Problems of Rigo Tovar
Rigo Tovar’s cause of death was related to his long-standing health problems that began in the late 1980s. According to Wikipedia, he suffered from diabetes, hypertension, obesity, kidney failure and heart disease. He also had a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He underwent several surgeries and treatments, but his condition worsened over time. He retired from music in the late 1990s and lived in isolation with his wife and sons in Mexico City.
The Final Days of Rigo Tovar
Rigo Tovar’s cause of death was a heart attack that occurred on March 27, 2005, just two days before his 59th birthday. According to Billboard, he had been hospitalized for several weeks before his death due to complications from diabetes. He died surrounded by his family and close friends at the Hospital Español in Mexico City. His death was announced by his son Rigoberto Tovar Jr., who said: “He left us peacefully. He was a great father, a great friend, a great artist.”
The Reaction to Rigo Tovar’s Death
Rigo Tovar’s cause of death provoked a wave of grief and mourning among his fans and fellow musicians. Thousands of people attended his funeral at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where he received a posthumous tribute from the Mexican government. His body was then taken to his hometown of Matamoros, where he was buried at the Panteón Municipal. Many artists expressed their condolences and admiration for Rigo Tovar, such as Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernández, Marco Antonio Solís, Selena Quintanilla, Gloria Trevi, Thalía and Los Tigres del Norte. His music was played on radio stations and TV channels across Mexico and Latin America, as well as in the United States and other countries where he had a large fan base.
The Legacy of Rigo Tovar
Rigo Tovar’s cause of death did not diminish his legacy as one of the most influential and beloved musicians in Mexican history. His music continues to be popular among different generations and cultures, as well as inspiring new artists who admire his style and innovation. His songs have been covered by many singers and bands, such as Los Ángeles Azules, Bronco, Grupo Pesado, Kumbia Kings, Los Amigos Invisibles, Café Tacvba and Julieta Venegas. His life story has been adapted into a biographical film called Rigo es Amor (Rigo is Love), which was released in 2010. His musical group El Conjunto Costa Azul is still active today, performing his hits and keeping his memory alive.
Rigo Tovar’s cause of death was a sad event that marked the end of an era in Mexican music. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which transcends time and borders. As his fans say: “Rigo es Amor”.
