Kris Aquino, the Philippines’ beloved “Queen of All Media,” has passed away after a long and public battle with a rare autoimmune disease. Surrounded by her closest family, her departure has left millions of Filipinos heartbroken, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the nation.
A Courageous Fight to the End
According to family members, Kris drew her final breath at a private medical facility in the United States during the early hours of the morning. Her sons, Josh and Bimby, were by her side, holding her hands until the end.
“She never gave up,” one relative said through tears. “Even in her weakest moments, her thoughts were always with her children.”
Those close to her revealed that Kris left heartfelt words for her sons—thanking Josh for being her “first miracle” and telling Bimby, “You will always be my light.”
A Journey of Strength and Transparency
For years, Kris shared her health struggles openly with the public, giving honest updates and messages of hope despite her worsening condition. “If this is God’s will, I am ready. But I will fight as long as I can,” she once told fans in a video.
Her candor and resilience resonated deeply with Filipinos, who prayed alongside her and admired her courage in the face of suffering.
Tributes From Leaders and Celebrities
News of Kris Aquino’s passing quickly spread across the country, sparking an outpouring of grief. Public figures from both politics and showbiz expressed condolences:
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said: “Despite our political differences, I extend my deepest sympathies. Kris Aquino was a strong voice and a symbol of the modern Filipina.”
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Vice President Sara Duterte wrote: “Rest in peace, Ms. Kris. Your honesty and courage will not be forgotten.”
Friends from the entertainment industry also shared their heartbreak. Boy Abunda, Kris’s longtime co-host and confidant, broke down during a live broadcast: “There will never be another Kris. I’ve lost a sister.”
A Legacy Beyond Entertainment
Kris Aquino’s career spanned television, film, and endorsements, making her one of the most recognizable figures in Philippine pop culture. From The Buzz and Kris TV to her iconic horror roles in Feng Shui and Sukob, she left an indelible mark on the industry.
But Kris was more than a media personality. As the daughter of national heroes Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, and sister to the late President Noynoy Aquino, she carried a political legacy as well. Many now see her passing as the closing of a historic chapter in the Aquino family’s story.
Her Final Words
In one of her last Instagram posts, Kris left what many now consider a farewell message:
“If I don’t make it back home, know that I never stopped praying for our country, for my children, and for peace in your hearts. Mahal ko kayo.”
Today, that post has become a digital memorial, with countless Filipinos leaving messages of love, gratitude, and farewell.
The Nation Bids Goodbye
Plans are underway for Kris Aquino’s return to the Philippines, where a public wake is expected to draw thousands. Church bells rang in Tarlac, her family’s hometown, as Filipinos prepared to say their final goodbyes to a woman who was both admired and criticized, yet always unapologetically herself.
Final Reflection
Kris Aquino’s death is not just the loss of a television icon — it is the passing of a mother, daughter, sister, and fighter who lived her life with raw honesty and fierce love.
As the nation mourns, one truth remains clear: there will never be another Kris Aquino.