The memory and legacy of Juan Gabriel remain alive among his fans, who still sing his greatest hits with deep emotion despite the singer’s death in August 2016. The Mexican-born icon would have been celebrating his birthday this January 7, the day he would have turned 76.
With this important date in mind, Diego Boneta remembered him fondly and shared an unreleased video of the two singing together in the studio. “Today we all remember you with so much love,” he wrote alongside the clip, which takes us back in time to reveal the strong connection between him and Juan Gabriel.
He added, “Thank you for all your teachings, Uncle Alberto!” referring to him by his given name, which was used by those closest to the legendary performer.
The footage reveals Juan Gabriel’s kindness as he thanks Diego for coming to the studio. “I love you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so generous and for sharing with me, Juan Gabriel and Alberto,” Boneta added, visibly moved by the encounter, one that thousands of singers would have dreamed of experiencing.
The Divo de Juárez subtly extended an invitation to continue mentoring a young Diego, who was just beginning his musical journey. “I hope you don’t forget, if you do, you know I’ll be here waiting,” he said in the exchange that Diego treasured and chose to share with the world on this special day.
Inside the studio, Juan Gabriel can be seen singing and setting the pace for the actor, who followed in his footsteps and the guidance he offered before stepping up to the microphone. The video concluded with a heartfelt message from Juan Gabriel. “Don’t forget that only the one who knows more has the right to have more. No one else. Good night.” Diego responded, “I care about you so much. I love you.”
A legacy that lives on:
Juan Gabriel died on August 28, 2016, in his apartment in Santa Monica, California. The official cause was a myocardial infarction, determined after an autopsy.
That same day, the singer’s biographical series 'Hasta que te Conocí' came to its scheduled conclusion, a coincidence many people pointed out.
His musical creations went far beyond his own performances, as he wrote songs for artists such as Rocío Dúrcal, José José, Luis Miguel, Isabel Pantoja, Daniela Romo, Thalía, Lupita D’Alessio, and Vicente Fernández.
Other artists proudly participated in tributes in his honor, including Cristian Castro, Pedro Fernández, Lorenzo Antonio, Álvaro Torres, Panteón Rococó, Playa Limbo, Vicentico, Jaguares, and Maná.