Veteran actress and national artist Nora Aunor has died while undergoing a heart procedure, just a month before her 72nd birthday in May.
Her death was announced by her son, actor Ian de Leon,
Veteran actress and national artist Nora Aunor has died while undergoing a heart procedure, just a month before her 72nd birthday in May.
Her death was announced by her son, actor Ian de Leon, who posted on Facebook.
“We love you Ma… alam ng diyos kung gano ka namin ka mahal… pahinga ka na po Ma. nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin (We love you, Mom. God knows how much we love you. Please rest now. You will remain in our hearts and minds),” he said.
In a follow-up post, Ian described the late superstar as the “heart of [their] family ” and a source of “unconditional love, strength, and warmth.”
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor ‘Nora Aunor’ who left us today, April 16, 2025, at the age of 71,” he said. “She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.”
Details about her cause of death have not been disclosed yet by her family, although some sources said that she had been confined at a hospital in Pasig for a procedure.
The Superstar, whose real name is Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, had been somewhat open about her health issues. She recently withdrew her candidacy in the 2025 midterm elections as the second nominee of the People’s Champ Guardians party-list due to health reasons.
In pulling out of the race, Aunor cited the advice of her doctors. “Pinaalalahanan din ako ng aking mga doktor na umiwas sa stressful situation kagaya ng pangangampanya (I was also reminded by my doctor to refrain from engaging in stressful situations such as campaigning),” she said in early March.
In February 2023, she said in an interview with Boy Abunda that she “died for three minutes” at a hospital where she rushed herself after experiencing a low oxygen level. Miraculously, she woke up again in the intensive care unit (ICU), she had said.
As an icon and a legend to many, Aunor was the ultimate artist for being able to master singing, dancing, and acting in theater and on the silver screen, and even on the radio.
