The life of Juan Gabriel

"The Divo of Juárez' was a prolific songwriter and an icon in Mexico who passed away August 28 at age 66.

Por:Univision

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Juan Gabriel, who died at age 66 on August 28, was one of Mexico's most beloved singers with a career spanning nearly five decades.

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Born on January 7, 1950 in Parácuaro, Michoacán, Alberto Aguilera Valadez began to show a talent for music at age 13.

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Don Gabriel Aguilera, Juan Gabriel's father, spent half of his life in a mental institution, which forced Gabriel's mother to move the family to Ciudad Juárez.

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Gabriel's career took off with the 1971 album "The Young Soul," which made him a star.

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Gabriel took a liking to luxuries he never had growing up, earning him the nickname "The Divo of Juárez."

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Gabriel's personal life has always been something of a mystery, and he refused to comment on his sexual orientation.

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Though he never married, Gabriel had four children with a close friend.

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He received his Hollywood star in 2002.

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He was known for giving three-hour-long shows.

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In 2009, he won the Latin Grammy for Person of the Year.

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Gabriel went on a successful U.S. tour in 2014, though he fell ill for part of it.

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