Mexican musical icon Armando Manzanero dies at 85 from coronavirus

Iconic Mexican composer Armando Manzanero died at 85 at a Mexico City hospital early Monday after a weeks-long battle with coronavirus

The Mexican outlet El Universal said that the legendary music-maker had been intubated five days after he was checked into a hospital December 17, and had been in stable condition prior to Sunday.

According to the outlet, Manzanero is set to be cremated in Mexico City, with his remains headed to Merida, his hometown.

RIP: Iconic Mexican composer Armando Manzanero died at 85 at a Mexico City hospital early Monday after a weeks-long battle with coronavirus

In his career, Manzanero wrote and composed more than 600 songs, Mexico’s Society for Authors and Composers told CNN.

The Latin Recording Academy recognized the passing of the accomplished writer/composer, whose material had been performed by artists such as Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick and Luis Miguel.

‘Armando Manzanero received the Award for Musical Excellence and was the winner of the Latin Grammy, as well as a great friend that is now gone,’ the academy said. ‘We celebrate his life and work. An irreplaceable loss for the Latin music world. We are with the Manzanero family in their grief.’

Manzanero had been awarded a Latin Grammy in 2001 for his record Duets, and received a Lifetime Achievement award in 2014.

Award winner: Manzanero had been awarded a Latin Grammy in 2001 for his record Duets

Award winner: Manzanero had been awarded a Latin Grammy in 2001 for his record Duets

Prolific: In his career, Manzanero wrote and composed more than 600 songs, Mexico's Society for Authors and Composers told CNN

Prolific: In his career, Manzanero wrote and composed more than 600 songs, Mexico’s Society for Authors and Composers told CNN

Flowers were placed at a bust of Manzanero in Mexico City, Mexico Monday

Flowers were placed at a bust of Manzanero in Mexico City, Mexico Monday 

Mexico’s Society of Authors and Composers called Manzanero ‘one of the greatest artists of our time’ and the ‘romantic soul of Mexico.’

Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in a statement, ‘Armando Manzanero was a sensitive man, a man of the people. That’s why I lament his death. He was also a great composer.’

Across social media, a number of famous fans of the accomplished music-maker shared their memories.

‘Today the teacher leaves us,’ singer Marc Anthony said. ‘A giant talent, an admirable man who with his music and his lyrics was an inspiration for many of us. Amid the sadness of his departure, I thank the blessing of his musical legacy. Thanks for so much teacher.’

Across social media, a number of famous fans of the accomplished music-maker shared their memories

Across social media, a number of famous fans of the accomplished music-maker shared their memories 

CNN commentator Ana Navarro said ‘music-lovers all the world over are in mourning today,’ as Manzanero was ‘one of the greatest song-writers in Latin American history. Beloved by many who danced to and fell in-love with his ballads. His music will live forever. RIP, Maestro.’

WWE star Santos Escobar wrote, ‘This one is a loss to the whole world… Mexican musician, artist, composer. Incredible… your songs touched many people over the years and now, you’ll get to perform them in heaven. rest in art.’

As of Monday, on a global level, 1,772,869 people have died amid more than 81,247,248 positive diagnoses worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University

The death total for COVID-19 in the U.S. was at 334,788 people, with 19,299,002 total positive diagnoses, while in Mexico, 122,426 have died over 1,383,434 total positive diagnoses.