Legendary salsa singer Celia Cruz has died at her home in New Jersey at the age of 78. The Cuban-born performer died of a brain tumour at her home in Fort Lee, after undergoing surgery for the condition late last year.
Known as the Queen of Salsa and considered the most influential woman in the history of Afro-Cuban music, she is credited with bringing salsa to a wide audience.
Send your tributes to the Latin singer.
Thank you for your tributes to Celia Cruz. Please read a selection of your comments below.
Thank you for all the wonderful music you have given us!
Lennart Nilsson, Sweden
 |  You will always be part of our lives  |
We celebrate Celia's life and mourn her death. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Celia, you will always be part of our lives!
Barbara y Carlos, CT, USA Every once in a while someone comes along who transcends all and takes their craft to another level. Celia Cruz was such a person. I will miss her greatly. There is none other like her.
Renee Paulus, USA
It feels like a lost a dear relative. I woke up very sad the next day after her death. I am sure she is in heaven now.
Diana G. Purcell, USA/Guatemala She was simply radiant. Her spirit will live in our hearts.
Tashia, U.S.A.
| SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Hannah, England Tributes to Celia Cruz |
Such sad news!!! I'm astonished. She is one of the greatest singers. "A voice of miracle".
Mohamed Haleem, Maldives She was the darling of salsa music. I had the privilege to meet her at the Hollywood Palladium in the early 70s. Her love for people from all walks of life was emblazoned with her endearment and charm. St Peter probably opened the pearly gates of heaven dancing to her sweet music, as she made her majestic entrance. God bless her!
Adam, CA, USA
Celia, you taught me to be proud of my Cuban heritage you were an inspiration to all in life and now in death.
Monica Rodriguez, USA
Your music bring joy to me. Even though I am an African with little Spanish language understanding I like saying Azuca long before I know its meaning. Thanks for all of the good memory and joy and happiness you bring to all of us.
Kole, Africa
Everybody loves her and will live forever in our minds. She was born a star. We are going to really miss her.
Roberto E. Arriete, Miami, USA
By total chance at the end of a videotape accidentally recorded was the end of a Celia Cruz concert, intrigued I watched and watched. When she came with Tito Puente to my home town of Glasgow, I bought front row tickets for the concert Hall. It was one of the best moments of my life. Thank you Celia. Rest in salsa!
Sybil Gilmore, Belgium
| Old friend, you leave me behind with your smile and songs |
Old friend, you leave me behind with your smile and songs of salsa music. You have inspired me with your external laughter of immortality. When I hear your songs I will always remember you, your image and your voice of happiness. I love you, I love you, I love you! You were like the lyrics of your songs that your lips sang with such vigour of joy. I love you, I love you the one and only joy Celia Cruz.
Maria Akiba, Puerto Rico We have lost an icon. She brought love and happiness to people. She may be gone, but she continues to live in her music and in everyone's heart. May she rest in peace.
Hector Vega, USA
�Para la mujer que me inspir� a cantar y me trajo una alegr�a ese nada en el mundo podr�a traer. Gracias!
Stephanie Lopez, US
When I learned of the passing of Celia Cruz, the voice, among other Cuban voices, I grew up in Dakar listening to, I felt like I had lost a very close family member. Yes, Celia, you were part of our universe, just like the great Fajardo, whom we lost a couple of years ago, or Tito Puente, with whom you magisterially played the unforgettable "Yo regresare." Well, destiny has decided that you will not return to Cuba, nor to Santa Clara, Camaguay, Pinar Del Rio, or Guantanamo. But we pray that you find peace in your last journey. May you be associated with Beny More, Abelardo Barrosso and Jose Aragon. I was honoured to see you on stage at Florida International U. in 1990, with your companion Pedro Kinght. Our condolences to him and all lovers of African-Cuban music. Cheikh
Cheikh Gueye, Senegal
Very sad to hear the news. I had the privilege to hear Celia Cruz perform just over three years ago in San Francisco. I had listened to her music for some time, but was expecting the live performance to be a little more subdued due to her age. I was wrong. She belted out her songs with amazing energy and spirit, truly awe inspiring. My best wishes to all her family and friends.
Clare, Ireland
| I was introduced to Celia Cruz back in the 70's and have been star struck in love with her ever since |
I was introduced to Celia Cruz with the song Cucala back in the 70s and have been star struck in love with her ever since. Her voice, personality and aura were gifts she freely shared with the world. May her family find solace in knowing that I, and countless others, will cherish those gifts and share them with others through our song collections and memories of this dear, dear woman. Long live the Queen Of Salsa!!
Eddie Allen, USA From the first time I saw Celia Cruz in the film The Mambo Kings I was completely captivated. Her music embodied the joy and resilience of her country and people. In her 70s she still had the ability to drive the fans wild. Queen of Mambo, you will be sorely missed.
Nate, Canada
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Celia's family, especially to her husband Pedro Knight. I had the honour of working with Celia and Pedro in Los Angeles, California. She was the pillar of the Fania All Stars, and a brilliant artist.
Carmen Rosado, Puerto Rico
Although I never had the privilege to meet Celia Cruz in person, I feel like I've lost a family member. As someone who grew up listening to her music, I was constantly inspired by her energy and charisma. She will truly be missed. I am grateful for and will cherish her music until the end of my lifetime. "Que descanses en paz."
Gwen, USA
Siempre estaras en nuestros corazones. Gracias por tantos momentos de alegria que nos distes. Que descances en Paz La Familia Rodriguez de Coral Springs, Fl
Tony Rodriguez, USA
| The carnival is not over. Her music and spirit will live on forever |
Celia Cruz, "The Queen of Salsa," was a vibrant and passionate woman who's life was devoted to song, spirit, and soul. Very much like Gloria Estefan. She brought something to Latin music that cannot be compared by anyone else. Her strong will and sheer joy would possess her in every thing that she did in life. Her voice was rich and deep... a kind of voice when you hear you knew who she was. Basically, she had a salsa sound of her own. Combine that with her faith and you had an incredible artist who sang from the heart. My family and I are big fans of her and today is definitely a very sad day for us and the entire Latin community. My prayers and condolences are with her and her entire family. The carnival is not over. Her music and spirit will live on forever.
Robert R., USA I think that many of us feel that we lost a friend, even if we never met her in person. I did see her live, many times, in New York City in the late 60s and early 70s. I also saw her live here in Holland when she was much older and still was capable of giving me goose bumps! My introduction to her music was in my hometown: Montecristi, Dominican Republic. That was in the early 1950s and every song she sang was a hit; simple as that. She was the soul of Afro-Cuban music and she could do it all with excellence: from Boleros to Merengues to Guarachas and Mambos. Her stage cry: "AZUCAR!" really tells it all about our Caribbean music for it is a by-product of the sugar industry. AZUCA!
Aristides Garcia, The Netherlands
| We will miss this true Diva |
Like so many others I felt a sense of sadness of hearing of Celia's passing. This spring I spent time in the Caribbean and the strains of Celia's music travelled with me. My one regret is that I never experienced this unique entertainer in concert - always hoping she would tour to my part of the world. We will miss this true diva. I actually listened to her live recording of Guantanamera - shed a tear...
Tony Myers, Seattle, WA USA "There are only a handful of people who pass away and their memories linger on forever" she is one of them.
Rahim, Kenya
Today I woke up listening Por Si Acaso No Regreso, one of the greatest songs from her last album! And why I did that? The answer is simple, remarkable music and certainly a good morning! Although, when I knew she had died I became sad but then I thought I had the privilege to watch her concert here, in Lisbon! I will never forget that day because she was simply marvellous dancing and smiling during all concert!
Duarte Sousa, Portugal
| She will always be the sound of sunshine to me |
It was a baking hot summer day and I was walking through Leather Lane market in London when I heard music. I bought the CD on the spot, never even having heard of Celia Cruz until that moment, and fell in love with salsa. She will always be the sound of sunshine to me.
Bridget, UK No one has, or will ever personify the character of Cuban music and its people like you. You are, and will continue to be, the uncontested Queen of the Mambo. Your music will live forever in my heart and in the heart of all your fans who will adore you forever. Descansa en paz y que Dios te bendiga. Azucar!
Juan Campmany, New York, USA
I was deeply touched by the passing of Celia Cruz. I have followed her career for over twenty years. I truly enjoyed her music, although I don't speak Spanish. The music transcended every age and cultural barrier. It just made you want to get up and move. She will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Queen Diva!
Maria Simmons, USA
Having had the honour of working with Celia, we can only say that she touched and inspired us all with her music and genuine love of life. Her passing leaves a well of tears in the eyes of many today . There has never been musician who was so absolute about bringing happiness to her world... and fortunately what a big world it was and is! She was and remains a exceptional human being. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends and to the thousands upon thousands upon thousands upon thousands of musicians and fans worldwide. Descanse en paz Celia. We will miss you terribly.
Lian and Leticia. Nueva York! NY, USA Gracias, Sra. Cruz, por la m�sica y por toda la felicidad que nos ha tra�do a trav�s de ella. Que Dios la bendiga siempre.
Steven Ferrer, United States
One more tribute to Celia's La Vida Es Un Carnival - the first salsa song I heard and have been dancing to it ever since. The emotional response to to this song at any concert or club is plenty to convince the hardest of cynics that idealism still exists out there. Thank you Celia!
Sam Leach, Switzerland
I had the unique opportunity to see Celia Cruz in concert with Tito Puente at a festival in Acapulco. My wife is Latina and had turned me onto her music. All I knew of Celia was that she was legendary in Latin America. Celia with her cry of "Azucar" captivated me as well as the audience of nearly 5-thousand. I have been hooked ever since that encounter! She truly was one of a kind, one for the ages, and one never to be equalled in her impact to music.
Chris Mei, Canada
My name is Maria and I feel very sad last night when I found out that Celia Cruz pass way, I love her music because I love dance Salsa, and her music is the best, I love you Celia and I know you going to have the best song on the heaven!! Love for ever from the Sepulveda-Lugo family!!
Maria Sepulveda-Lugo, Ciales Puerto Rico
I am numb. I cannot believe that infectious smile, that strong voice, and those songs are gone. I took a bouquet of flowers to her last concert in San Francisco, and told her I loved her. She took the flowers, and said, "Si, chico, yo se" [Yeah, kid, I know]. Still, I cannot help but be amazed as I look through my LPs and CDs at a phenomenal career! Sung and covered the globe sharing that music for so many years. You music will continue to be played in my heart, Celia
Lowell Denny, United States Gracias por ser la embajadora de amor y alegria de el pueblo cubano!
Ondina, US by way of Cuba
The greatest rhythm singer ever to breathe. I saw her perform in London at the Hammersmith Odeon. She refused to speak English and sang Cuban folk-songs to her true fans - what a diva!
Nick Hay, UK
My Queen. Centrepiece of my life. You are gone. Where shall I hear you "Azucar" now? The world is alone without you. You were sent to us but now you must return from where you came. What is left now is your great gift to us. Your music
Majawonkhe Dlamini, Swaziland
I heard my first Celia song, Carnival while I was in Uruguay, recovering from a bad car accident in the winter of 2000. She lifted my spirits and the song has been an anthem for me ever since. Thank you Celia. Your contribution to the world's great music will live on.
Kirsty O'Brien, Australia
Where I come from, one out of about fifty people from the local population knows who Celia Cruz is. And she is and will remain the centre of my life. It's funny how I was actually planning to buy her album this weekend only to hear this morning that she passed away. It's sad. I'm mourning. But I suppose we need to appreciate what she left with us. Her body has rested but her voice will linger on and will continue to inspire us and make us happy.
Majawonkhe Dlamini, Swaziland Celia was a lovely lady who touched the hearts of many people. With her unique style of music she spread the word of salsa like no one else before or since. Celia Cruz will be sadly missed and we send our fondest wishes to her family in these difficult times.
Julia Perez, England
Please pass on my condolences to her family. She was an inspiration to all who have listened to her.
Rosemary MacGregor, Scotland
| Her demise is a big blow to the lovers and fans of salsa |
I have received the information of the death of Celia Cruz with deep sorrow. Her demise is a big blow to the lovers and fans of salsa music.
Epson Luhwago, Tanzania Celia Cruz was truly a legend and a genius. She and Compay Segundo will be terribly missed by people all around the world, both Latino and non-Latino. Her legacy, other than her own music, will be all those musicians to whom we listen now who were inspired by her.
Kara Rebeiro, UK
Celia Cruz was and will remain a musical monument thanks to her incredible talent, charisma and devotion. Muchas gracias senora Cruz!
Emmanuel Trepanier, Canada
Rest in peace, your time on earth has been fruitful, and your music will live on forever.
Patricia Beharry, England
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