A lifetime of music ends with a final, powerful act of generosity

San Antonio, TX – The world of Latin and Tejano music is mourning the loss of an icon. Flaco Jiménez, the Grammy Award-winning accordionist whose pioneering work brought Conjunto and Tex-Mex music to global audiences, has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced his passing on social media late Friday evening, writing: “It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father, Flaco Jiménez. He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely.”

Yet even in his passing, Flaco Jiménez’s final act revealed a man whose heart was as large as his musical legacy. In a stunning and inspiring move, his family confirmed that Jiménez left his entire estate to charity, with funds going to music education programs, youth arts initiatives, and support organizations for aging musicians across Texas and beyond.

A Life Devoted to Music—and to Others

Flaco Jiménez, born Leonardo Jiménez on March 11, 1939, in San Antonio, was more than just a musician. He was a bridge between cultures, a storyteller with his accordion, and a tireless advocate for the music of his roots. Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, he collaborated with legends like Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Dwight Yoakam, and the Texas Tornados, always bringing Conjunto music to the forefront.

Despite his global fame and numerous awards—including five Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, and induction into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame—Jiménez remained grounded and deeply connected to his community. Friends and collaborators often spoke of his humility, kindness, and generosity, traits that now define his final legacy.

The Charitable Bequest

In a written statement released by the Jiménez family’s attorney, it was confirmed that 100% of Flaco’s estate—including royalties, property, instruments, and other personal assets—will be donated to a trust known as The Flaco Jiménez Foundation for Arts and Culture. The foundation, which will begin operations later this year, will support:

• Music education in underserved schools, particularly programs centered on traditional Latin and Tejano instruments
• Scholarships for young musicians pursuing cultural arts at the university level
• Assistance programs for aging or retired musicians, helping provide housing, medical care, and basic living needs
• Preservation of Tex-Mex and Conjunto music through grants for independent artists, historical archiving, and instrument restoration

“Flaco believed that music should be passed on, not just remembered,” the family’s statement read. “He didn’t want his legacy to gather dust on a shelf. He wanted it to feed future generations of musicians who come from the same neighborhoods and struggle he once did.”

The decision was not a surprise to those close to him. “He talked about this for years,” said longtime friend and collaborator Augie Meyers, also of Texas Tornados fame. “Flaco didn’t care about money. What he cared about was kids picking up instruments, and old players being able to live with dignity. That’s who he was.”

Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future

Jiménez’s charitable focus comes at a time when many traditional musical forms, including Conjunto and Norteño, struggle to maintain visibility in a fast-changing cultural landscape. By investing in both preservation and innovation, the Flaco Jiménez Foundation aims to keep the flame of cultural identity alive in music.

“Too many young people don’t even know the sound of a button accordion,” said Marisol Garcia, a music teacher at a San Antonio public school. “What Flaco’s doing from beyond the grave—it’s unheard of. He’s making sure we don’t lose this sound, this story, this part of who we are.”

Garcia’s program is among the first to receive early support from the foundation. Several schools and local organizations will begin receiving grants as early as January next year, with the hope of expanding statewide by 2027.

A Humble Star

Despite sharing stages with rock legends and playing venues from Mexico City to Madison Square Garden, Flaco never turned his back on his roots. He continued to perform at small venues, neighborhood festivals, and family gatherings in San Antonio well into his 80s.

“He never acted like a star,” said Los Lobos frontman David Hidalgo, who recorded with Jiménez on several projects. “He’d come in with that big grin, pull out the accordion, and it was like the whole room woke up. That was Flaco.”

Jiménez’s humility was also reflected in how he lived. He resided in a modest home in San Antonio’s South Side, often inviting neighborhood kids in to play music or learn about their heritage. His home studio doubled as a rehearsal space for up-and-coming local artists.

“He’d always say, ‘Music doesn’t belong to me—it belongs to everyone,’” recalled his grandson Mateo, who is also a musician.

The Funeral and Final Farewell

A public memorial service for Flaco Jiménez will be held next week at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Antonio, with thousands expected to attend. The ceremony will feature musical tributes by a lineup of Tejano, country, and rock legends. His family has invited fans to bring instruments and join in a closing performance of “Soy de San Luis,” one of Flaco’s most beloved anthems.

In lieu of flowers, the Jiménez family has asked for donations to be made directly to the Flaco Jiménez Foundation.

A Legacy That Plays On

In the end, Flaco Jiménez leaves behind more than melodies. He leaves behind an unshakable legacy of generosity, cultural pride, and belief in the power of music to connect and transform. While his physical voice has gone silent, the sound of his accordion—and the doors it opened—will echo for generations.

As the sun sets over the San Antonio skyline, it does so with the bittersweet knowledge that one of its brightest stars has moved on—but not before giving back everything he could to the people and music he loved.

Rest in peace, Flaco. Your hands may be still, but your song will never fade.