Chris Pérez Reflects on Selena Quintanilla in Selena y Los Dinos Documentary.
The documentary Selena y Los Dinos premiered at SXSW on March 12, offering a touching tribute to Selena Quintanilla, the beloved "Queen of Tejano" music. This new project highlights her life and career, with intimate interviews from family members and Chris Pérez, Selena’s widower.
Pérez, who was the lead guitarist in Selena’s band and married her in 1992, opens up about their deep connection and the profound impact of her tragic death.
Pérez Reads Handwritten Letter from Selena
One of the most emotional moments in the documentary features Chris Pérez reading a heartfelt, handwritten letter from Selena. The letter reveals Selena's vulnerability and love for Pérez, offering fans a rare, intimate glimpse into their relationship.
Selena Quintanilla and Chris Perez (@chrispereznow Instagram)
Pérez reads the letter aloud:
“Gosh Chris, I’ve been so out of it lately it’s pathetic. I’m going crazy, I swear. I wish that everyone would leave me alone and can’t they see I love you. Maybe they think I’m playing games or something.”
The letter continues with Selena expressing her longing for Pérez and her deep affection, closing with, “Remember I’ll always and forever love you, and I miss you more as every second goes by.”
Pérez Reflects on His Love for Selena
After reading the emotional letter, Chris Pérez appears visibly moved and lost for words, staring at the letter with overwhelming emotion.
Reflecting on his relationship with Selena, Pérez poignantly wrote in his 2013 book, To Selena, With Love:
“Selena loved as hard as she lived. We loved her in return — her family, her friends, her fans, and me, her husband, who felt like the luckiest man alive every time Selena said my name.”
Selena with her Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards, Radio City Music Hall, NYC, 1994.
These powerful words reflect the intense, all-consuming love they shared, which remains a central theme in Pérez’s memories and the documentary.
Selena and Chris Pérez’s Secret Elopement
The documentary also touches on the couple's secret relationship, which was initially disapproved of by Selena’s family. Chris Pérez was kicked out of the band when their romance became known, and the two kept their love hidden as much as possible.
Pérez recalls, “I never liked the whole secret thing from the beginning. I always wanted Abraham’s respect,” referring to Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, who initially didn’t approve of their relationship.
In a pivotal moment, Pérez shares how Selena took the lead in deciding they should elope. When Selena knocked on his door one day, she asked, “Let’s go get married.” The couple tied the knot on April 2, 1992, when Selena was 20 and Pérez was 22.
The couple’s intimate elopement is depicted in the 1997 Selena biopic starring Jennifer Lopez.
Legacy and Tribute to Selena
Even after Selena’s tragic death in 1995, Chris Pérez continues to honor her memory. For their second wedding anniversary in 1994, he gave Selena a diamond-encrusted band, which she wore instead of her original yellow gold wedding ring.
Selena
Pérez later shared on Facebook that Selena was buried with the same anniversary band, and he continues to keep their wedding rings in a “VERY safe place.” In a 2017 post, Pérez marked what would have been their 25th anniversary, reflecting on Selena’s enduring influence:
“Selena’s impact on the world is still being felt today…as it deserves to be.”
Selena’s Enduring Legacy in 2024
Through Selena y Los Dinos, Pérez and the Quintanilla family ensure that Selena’s legacy remains alive and cherished. The documentary brings new insights into their relationship, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs of the couple’s love.
While Selena's death left a permanent void, her music, her spirit, and her enduring impact continue to influence fans, music lovers, and loved ones.
Chris Pérez’s emotional journey through grief and love offers a deeper understanding of how Selena’s death shaped both him and her family. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the queen of Tejano music and the love story that transcended time, loss, and tragedy.
