Country music fans are in mourning. Today (December 9), the genre lost one of roots music’s most recognizable voices. In a statement issued by The Mavericks, a spokesperson announced the passing of frontman Raul Malo.
“It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate, and brother Raul Malo on December 8th, 2025, at the age of 60,” read the letter shared across social media.
The note continued: “Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself.”
To close the note, the rep wrote: “Though his earthly body may have passed, Raul’s spirit will live on forever in heaven, and here on earth through the music, joy, and light he brought forth. His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.”
Raul’s wife, Betty, shared a personal statement on behalf of herself and their sons, Dino, Victor, and Max, reflecting fondly on their 34-year union.
“At 8:52 pm on December 8th, 2025, my love… our boys’ father… a devoted son and brother… and a friend to so many, gained his angel wings,” penned Betty. “He was called to do another gig — this time in the sky — and he’s flying high like an eagle. No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did. Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment.”
Raul Malo’s official cause of death has not yet been revealed. But according to PBS NewsHour, in past online posts dating back to June 2024, Raul opened up about being treated for colon cancer. Then, in September 2025, Malo revealed that he was fighting leptomeningeal disease (or LMD), which the Cleveland Clinic defines as a serious complication where cancer spreads to the meninges.
Fans and musicians alike have taken to their respective social media pages to pen tributes in Raul Malo’s honor.