Famed singer Rico Puno aka Rico J. has passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 65. His death was announced by his sister-in-law Anna Puno via social media.
Anna said on her Instagram post: “I am seized with deep emotional shock when I found out that our OPM King – Kuya Rico J. Puno has passed away this morning (Manila time). Numbed with grief, I would like to call on all entertainers in the OPM Industry as well as his worldwide fans to stop for a moment and say a prayer to one of the most respected singers in the country. I cannot help but say it was serendipitous that Starmedia prepared a solo 40th Anniversary concert for him and a US tour with the OPM stalwarts and colleagues just recently. Little did I know that this is his Final Bow in the live entertainment world. We will forever miss the TOTAL ENTERTAINER…but his songs will forever cherish in our hearts.”
Rico Puno’s manager Norma Japitana said in an interview on DZBB Super Radyo that Rico died of cardiac failure early morning on October 30.
Puno has reportedly faced a number of major health issues in recent years. He had a triple heart bypass in 2015, and he also had an angioplasty in December 2017, wherein he received a pacemaker.
He was just recently hospitalized for diabetes complications in early October 2018.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers goes out to Rico Puno and his family.
Source: Rappler / Image was taken from Anna Puno’s Instagram account
