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Renowned Filipino singer and actor Hajji Alejandro passed away on April 21, 2025, in Manila, Philippines, at the age of 70. His demise came amid his battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer. His family confirmed the news via social media, which was reposted by Alejandro’s longtime talent manager, Girlie ‘GR’ Rodis, on Tuesday.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito ‘Hajji’ T. Alejandro. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time. To God be the Glory,” the Facebook statement read.
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According to Rappler, Hajji Alejandro was married twice, first to Myrna Demauro and later to Rio Diaz. Alynna Velasques was his longtime partner of 27 years.
Earlier this year, in March, Velasques revealed in an interview with Julius Babao for the Unplugged YouTube channel that the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) legend was fighting with stage 4 colorectal cancer and had to undergo surgery. She also mentioned Hajji was “scared” but “hopeful,” and was recovering from the operation at his home.
However, later, GMA newscaster and radio host Arnold Clavio shared that Alejandro’s cancer had spread to his lungs and liver and sent prayers for him.
Everything you need to know about Hajji Alejandro’s personal life
Hajji Alejandro, born Angelito Toledo Alejandro, was first married to Myrna Demauro. They had two daughters: Rachel, a singer and actress, and Barni, a celebrity chef.
He later married Rio Diaz, a former beauty queen, actress, TV host, and politician. In the 1980s, they ran a small restaurant in Los Angeles. They had one son, Ali, a drummer for bands like Mojofly and DeLara.
Hajji Alejandro has another child, a daughter named Michelle from a previous relationship. Not much is known about her. Before his death, the Nakapagtataka crooner was with his longtime partner, Alynna Velasques. They had been together for over two decades. Alynna shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram following his death.
Rachel celebrated her father’s 70th birthday in December 2024 with an Instagram post.
“Some of us are blessed with youthful good looks. Some are lucky to have an abundance of talent and a lucrative career, while others have lasting good health. At 70 years young today, my Dad @hajjialejandro.official has all that and more,” she wrote back then.
Barni took to Facebook in the aftermath of her father’s demise and shared a tribute. She posted a video of herself singing one of Hajji Alejandro’s popular songs, Ang Lahat Nito’y Para sa Yo” and wrote in the caption:
“I can’t fathom a life without you. My heart is broken into a million pieces. You were my first love, my hero, my idol. Forever, your Yabs!”
In brief, about Hajji Alejandro
Hajji Alejandro was fondly known as “Kilabot ng Mga Kolehiyala” or “college girls’ heartthrob.” He is best remembered for songs including Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Panakip Butas, May Minamahal, and Nakapagtataka, among others.
He was discovered by Filipino balladeer Basil Valdez in the mid-1970s and performed for the latter's group, Circus Band. However, he rose to fame with his debut single, Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan, as well as his albums, Strictly OPM and Magic.
Over the years, he has collaborated with many famous Filipino artists, including National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. Together, they performed at the first Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (Metropop) as well as competed in the first International Seoul Song Festival in Korea, both in 1978. Their song Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika won the Grand Prix, while Hajji was recognized as the Best Singer.
Alejandro also hosted his own musical variety show A-Ha with Ali Sotto that aired on the IBC-13 channel. He also co-hosted RPN-9’s noontime show, Chibugan Na with Rico J. Puno, Arnell Ignacio, Michelle Aldana, Karla Estrada and Chiqui Pineda.
Hajji Alejandro’s demise came a week after the Filipino entertainment industry lost two other celebrities – ‘Asia’s Queen of Songs’ dubbed actress-singer Pilita Corrales and ‘Superstar’ actress-musician Nora Aunor.
While Corrales died peacefully in her sleep on April 12, 2025, at age 85, Aunor passed away on April 16, 2025, from acute respiratory failure, at the age of 71.
