It’s been 30 years since 23-year-old Mexican-American music icon Selena was tragically shot, but the news of convicted killer Yolanda Saldívar’s parole hearing sparked a powerful response from her dedicated fans.
Selena Quintanilla was killed on March 31, 1995, by Saldívar, who had been the president of Selena’s fan club. Following the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ decision to deny Saldívar parole on March 27, 2025, Selena’s fans took to social media, expressing relief and showing their continued support for the late artist. Some fans shared memes celebrating the decision, while others wore Selena T-shirts or revisited her music as a tribute to the “Queen of Tejano.”
The 30th anniversary of Selena’s death, combined with the news about Saldívar’s parole, has reignited strong emotions within the Selena fan community. “It’s not just about Yolanda—it’s about protecting and honoring Selena’s legacy,” said Sonya Alemán, an associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, who teaches a course on Selena’s life and impact. Alemán noted that fans view Selena’s death as a profound injustice not only to Selena herself but to the entire community that loved her.
In Corpus Christi, Texas—the heart of Selena fandom—a bronze statue of Selena has been recoated and the flowers at her mural replaced in preparation for the anniversary. The city’s Selena Museum remains a major destination for fans. Meanwhile, in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, fans gathered for the 10th annual 214Selena event to celebrate her life and the legacy of Tejano music.
Selena’s fanbase has only grown over the years, especially after the 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez, which introduced a new generation of fans to Selena’s story. For many, including fans like Lauren Susan, who became obsessed with Selena’s music after watching the movie, the artist’s influence is still strong. Susan said, “That’s the first memory I have of Selena—seeing her movie in the theater when I was in seventh grade.”
Despite Selena’s death, her music and cultural impact continue to shape Latinx identity. As Leila Cobo, chief content officer of Latin and Spanish music at Billboard, pointed out, Selena remains one of the top five Latin female artists every year, solidifying her place in both U.S. and global music history.
The news of Saldívar’s parole hearing had gained attention due to a recent docuseries in which Saldívar claimed her actions were unintentional. However, the parole board denied her release, citing evidence that she still posed a “continuing threat to public safety.” Alemán explained that Selena’s fans view her death as a collective grief, with Saldívar’s actions transcending individual loss and becoming a symbol of injustice.
Selena’s family, including her widower Chris Pérez, thanked fans for their unwavering support in a joint statement after the parole denial. “Your love has been a source of strength and healing,” they wrote. “We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life—not the tragedy that took her from us.”
At the University of Texas, Alemán is helping foster a new generation of Selena scholars, encouraging them to explore and document the artist’s lasting impact. “The knowledge the community carries about Selena is worth studying,” Alemán said, reflecting on how Selena’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift generations.