Filipino Jazz icon Jacqui Magno passes away at 65

Anna has also made her photo with Jacqui her profile picture on Facebook. Many netizens then commented on the photo, expressing their heartfelt condolences. (File photo: Jacqui Magno/Facebook)

Jazz singer Jacqui Magno has passed away at the age of 65.

This was confirmed by her manager, Anna Ylagan, on Friday, June 22, telling ABS-CBN News that Jacqui died at a hospital in Quezon City past 4 p.m. after battling pancreatic cancer.

Anna has also made her photo with Jacqui her profile picture on Facebook. Many netizens then commented on the photo, expressing their heartfelt condolences.

Broadway star Lea Salonga, Philippines’ “Prince of Jazz” Richard Merk, and singer Dulce took to social media to pay tribute to Jacqui.

“Rest In Peace, Jacqui Magno. I still remember the first time we took a trip to Singapore as ASEAN representatives with Ray-An Fuentes, Grace Amilbangsa, Lorrie Ilustre, Florante de Leon and Tony Espejo,” Lea wrote in her Facebook post.

“Your voice which was able to soothe even the most savage of beasts is something I’ll never forget. Rest with the angels now,” she added.

Richard, also on Facebook, told Jacqui, “You have done well with your life on Earth… You made so many people happy with your songs. I remember when we sang together at the Birds of the Same Feather… that was in 1979!!!”

He continued, “I will miss you Jaq!!!! Thank you for your songs and friendship. You were an amazing performer.”

On Twitter, Dulce wrote, “Pahinga na kapatid  (Rest now, sister) Jacqui Magno,” as she shared videos of the Jazz singer singing “One Note Samba,” ” Bridges,” and “Laging Buhay ang Buhay.”

Apart from the three singers, actress Vivian Velez also expressed her grief over the passing of her friend.

“An immense loss for music… RIP Jacqui Magno. My deep sympathy to your nearest and dearest,” she said in a Facebook post.

Jacqui began her professional singing career when she became a singer for the Genesis Band. She then became a member of the famous Circus Band in the 1970s along with Tillie Moreno, Pat Castillo, Basil Valdez, Hajji Alejandro, and Richard Tan.