Jimenez was surrounded by loved ones when he died, according to family.
SAN ANTONIO — Conjunto legend Flaco Jimenez has died at the age of 86, his family shared on social media.
Jimenez, a San Antonio native, continued to perform well into his 80s, including at local events like the Tejano Conjunto Festival. The influential accordionist helped spread the rich heritage of South Texas, winning multiple Grammys in the process—including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
He was briefly hospitalized this past January.
Jimenez’s family posted about his death to social media late Thursday night. The family wrote he was surrounded by loved ones when he died.
“It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father, Flaco Jimenez,” the family announced. “He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely.”
The family shared their gratitude with his fans who cherished and were moved by his music.
“Thank you to all of his fans and friends—those who cherished his music,” the family added. “And a big thank you for all of the memories. His legacy will live on through his music and all of his fans.”
Jimenez’s family is requesting privacy during this time of mourning.
That Facebook post collected more than 850 comments in less than an hour Thursday night, mostly from fans sending condolences to the family while others paid tribute to Jimenez’s legacy.
“A legend that represented Tejano music and the gente,” wrote one Facebook user.