How is the music community honoring Raul Malo after his death at 60? Tributes pour in

The music community is suffering the loss of Raul Malo, who died on December 8, 2025, at 60. His death has prompted artists, collaborators, and fans to reflect on his work and the impact he had on American music.

The tributes that followed his death are notable. Raul Malo's wife, Betty, confirmed the news late Monday night, writing on his official social media accounts that "he was called to do another gig, this time in the sky, and he is flying high like an eagle." The complete post was as follows:

"At 8:52 pm on December 8th, 2025, my love… our boys’ father… a devoted son and brother… and a friend to so many, gained his angel wings. He was called to do another gig, this time in the sky, and he is flying high like an eagle. No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did."

The post continued:

"Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment. Dino, Victor, Max and I, along with our entire family, thank all of you for your love and support through all of this. We felt every bit of it. In Raul’s own words: "Muchísimas gracias.""

Tributes from The Mavericks and collaborators following Raul Malo's death at 60

The surviving members of The Mavericks released a joint statement calling Raul Malo "a force of human nature, with an infectious energy," and an "unrivalled, generational talent." Their post read:

"It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo on December 8th, 2025 at the age of 60. Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself.

"While his spirited performances garnered a massive & loyal following, and his powerful songwriting and musicianship earned multiple Grammy, ACM, and CMA awards, it was his lifelong commitment to the preservation of the multi-lingual American musical repertoire of which he was most proud, making history in 2020 with the first album ever to debut at the top of both the Latin Pop and Folk-Americana charts. It was this commitment, along with his steadfast championing of music education as an inspiration for every child across America and throughout the world, for which Raul was honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Music Council of the United States’ American Eagle Award."

The Mavericks concluded their tribute to Raul Malo, saying:

"Though his earthly body may have passed, Raul’s spirit will live on forever in heaven, and here on earth through the music, joy, and light he brought forth. His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world. Raul is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Betty; sons Dino, Victor, and Max, mother Norma, sister Carol, and Mavericks bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden. The family thanks everyone for their love & support, and asks for privacy at this time."

Country artist Ricky Valido shared what Raul Malo was as a young Cuban American musician, writing:

"Raul Malo… I don’t even know where to begin. Your voice, your presence, your spirit… it changed me. As a young Cuban American kid in Miami dreaming of country music, I didn’t always see myself reflected in the world I loved. But hearing you… watching you… showed me that our roots, our stories, our raíces had a place in this music too. When I picked up my first guitar at eight years old at Music Magic… the same place where my great-grandmother bought it… my instructor and I would talk about your early days, The Mavericks, Churchill’s, Nuclear Valdez, John Tovar."

Ricky Valido continued his post about Raul Malo:

"Those stories shaped my path and lit the spark that eventually became The Hialeah Hillbillies. Playing every dive bar, every open mic, every stage I could find, I carried your influence with me. You helped me believe that blending my culture with country music was not only possible, but powerful. Hearing you live and meeting you with my instructor and my brother Carlos Valdes is something I’ll hold close forever. To the Malo family, his bandmates, friends, and fans around the world… my deepest respect and condolences. Raúl touched countless lives, including mine. Thank you, Raúl, for inspiring me and so many others. Your legacy lives on in every note, every lyric, every heart you moved. Rest in peace, maestro ♥️🎶🇨🇺🇺🇸"

Trisha Yearwood also shared her reaction in a heartfelt message, writing:

"I don't have words to express my sadness at the passing of Raul Malo, one of the finest voices of our generation, with a larger than life personality to go with it. I’ve been sitting with my memories this morning, and just want to send my love and strength to Betty and the Malo family, to The Mavericks, and to everyone who loved Raul and his music. Gone too soon. 💔"

Raul Malo performed multiple times at Austin City Limits across three decades. ACL executive producer Terry Lickona shared:

"Raul was a force on stage with the voice of both an angel and a tiger. The Mavericks first appeared on ACL 30 years ago, did one of our only pandemic shows, without an audience, and kicked off our 50th anniversary special last year."

Singer and producer Shooter Jennings also shared his admiration:

"Rest in peace Raul Malo! I loved the Mavericks. We got to hang many times and I used to tell him how much I went crazy for his version of 'Us and Them'. A performer and craftsman of the highest order."

Rest in peace, Raul Malo.

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