Losing someone you love is hard. But imagine losing your husband — and then, years later, your only son. That’s the story of Marisela Vallejos Felix, the woman behind one of Mexico’s most famous singers, Chalino Sánchez.
She lived a quiet life before fame found her. After marrying Chalino, her world changed forever. His music became popular, but with that fame came danger. Then came tragedy — not once, but twice.
In this article, we’ll walk through the emotional journey of Marisela Vallejos Felix — Chalino Sánchez’s wife, mother, and a woman who faced deep pain yet stayed strong.
Marisela Vallejos Felix Quick Bio
| Full Name | Marisela Vallejos Felix |
| Known As | Chalino Sánchez’s wife |
| Birth Year | Early 1970s |
| Age (2026) | Around 54–56 years old |
| Birthday | Not publicly known |
| Place of Birth | Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican-American |
| Citizenship | Became U.S. citizen in 2018 |
| Marital Status | Widowed (since 1992) |
| Husband | Chalino Sánchez |
| Children | Two (Adán and Cynthia) |
| Son’s Death | Adán died in 2004 (car accident) |
| Current Life | Lives quietly in the U.S. |
| Net Worth (est.) | About $3 million |
Who Is Marisela Vallejos Felix?
Marisela Vallejos Felix was born in Mexicali, a city in Baja California, Mexico. She was raised in a simple home and lived far away from fame or spotlight. She grew up in the 1970s, though her exact birth year is not known. As of 2026, she is believed to be around 54 to 56 years old.
Before meeting Chalino, she lived a quiet life. She was focused on work and family. But everything changed when she met a young man with big dreams — a man named Chalino Sánchez.
Today, most people know Marisela as Chalino Sánchez’s wife. But there’s so much more to her story. She has lived through pain that many can’t even imagine — and still carries her family’s memory with quiet strength.
How She Met Chalino Sánchez
Marisela met Chalino in Los Angeles, California in the early 1980s. She had moved to the U.S. for work. At that time, she was working in a sewing factory. And guess what? Chalino’s aunt worked there too.
It was actually Chalino’s cousin who introduced them. Their meeting wasn’t planned, but it changed everything. They clicked right away. Chalino was not a star yet. In fact, he was still struggling. He wrote songs about real people, street life, and hard times. His songs were known as narcocorridos — bold, raw stories that didn’t follow the usual rules.
Even though his music world was risky, Marisela saw something special in him. Their love grew quickly, and soon, they decided to start a life together.
Becoming Chalino Sánchez’s Wife
In 1984, Marisela and Chalino got married in Los Angeles. She was already pregnant with their first child, Adán, at the time. Their wedding was small and simple, with close family and friends.
As Chalino Sánchez’s wife, Marisela chose to stay in the background. She wasn’t chasing fame. She focused on being a good wife and later, a loving mother. Their life together was not fancy. They didn’t have money or big success at first. But what they had was love and trust.
Chalino was starting to get noticed in the Mexican-American music scene. But he still faced danger. His songs weren’t liked by everyone — some even felt threatened by them. Still, Marisela stood by him. She believed in his talent and in their future.
A Quiet Family Life Together
Marisela and Chalino had two children:
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Adán Sánchez, their son, born in 1984
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Cynthia Sánchez, their daughter, born a few years later
Their family home was in Paramount, California. It was a small place, bought by Chalino before his fame. Marisela kept things together at home. She cooked, cared for the kids, and made sure everything ran smoothly.
Chalino traveled often for his music. He sang in risky places. His songs were powerful but dangerous. Still, he tried to protect his family and give them a better life. And Marisela was always there, waiting for him to return, hoping he’d be safe.
The Night That Changed Everything
May 16, 1992 — a night Marisela will never forget.
Chalino was in Culiacán, Mexico, performing at a nightclub called Salon Buganvilias. Everything seemed normal at first. But during the show, a man gave him a note. Many people believe it was a death threat. Chalino read it quietly on stage, then walked away.
Later that night, after the concert, Chalino left with his brothers, cousin, and some others. On the road, armed men stopped their car. They said they were police officers. They told Chalino that a “commander” wanted to talk to him. Chalino agreed to go with them.
That was the last time anyone saw him alive.
The next morning, his body was found near a canal. His eyes were blindfolded. He had been shot twice in the head. No one was ever arrested. The mystery still remains.
Life After Losing Her Husband
For Marisela Vallejos Felix, everything fell apart.
She had lost her husband in a cruel and sudden way. She was now a widow, with two children to raise — alone. Her partner, her love, her children’s father — gone without a goodbye.
And things didn’t get easier. Many people thought Marisela became rich from Chalino’s music. But that wasn’t true. Before his big break, Chalino had sold the rights to all his songs to his music label. That meant Marisela got no royalties after he died — no money from his rising fame.
She once said, “He never thought his records would sell as well as they did. He never saw himself as an artist.”
Still, Marisela stayed strong. She kept the house Chalino had bought. She raised their kids. And she held on to his memory — not with money, but with love.
Raising Two Kids Alone
After Chalino’s death, Marisela Vallejos Felix had to face life alone. She had no partner, no support system, and two children to raise. It was not easy, but she did it with quiet strength.
Her son Adán missed his father deeply. As he grew up, he felt a strong pull toward music — the same kind his father used to sing. At just 13 years old, Adán started singing in public. People noticed him right away. He had his father’s voice and passion.
Marisela stood by him just like she did for Chalino. She helped him with shows, music, and everything he needed. Her daughter Cynthia chose a different path. She stayed out of the spotlight and lived a very private life.
Losing Her Son Adán Sánchez
Just when things were looking better, tragedy struck again.
In March 2004, Marisela’s son Adán was in Sinaloa, Mexico, heading to a concert. He was only 19 years old. On that trip, his car lost control and flipped. He died at the scene.
The news broke hearts everywhere. Fans across the U.S. and Mexico mourned his death. A radio station in Los Angeles held a public vigil. Over 6,000 people showed up — that’s how much Adán was loved.
But for Marisela Vallejos Felix, it was more than a headline. It was her son. Her baby. She had already lost her husband. Now, her son was gone too. She once said the pain was like “losing half her soul.”
Did Chalino Sánchez’s Wife Receive Royalties?
Many people believe that Marisela Vallejos Felix became rich from Chalino’s music. But that’s not true.
Before he became famous, Chalino sold the rights to all his songs to a label called Discos Musart. That means after he died, Marisela received no money from album sales or streams.
She once shared that Chalino didn’t think his music would ever be popular. He didn’t see himself as a real artist. He just wrote stories through music.
Marisela does receive some money from Adán’s music, because his contract was more modern. But even then, money was never her goal. She was focused on protecting her family’s name and memory — not getting rich from it.
Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Even though she lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, Marisela wasn’t a citizen until 2018.
Getting her papers wasn’t easy. She had to show all kinds of documents — taxes, travel history, income. At one point, she even had to explain why she visited Mexico often. The answer was simple: her mother was sick, and she wanted to be there for her.
When she finally became a citizen, Marisela said she felt free. She told the press, “I felt liberated. I can now express myself.” That moment gave her peace, and a voice.
Where Is Marisela Vallejos Felix Today?
Today, Marisela Vallejos Felix lives a quiet life in the United States. She rarely speaks to the media. But when she does, she talks with love and care about Chalino and Adán.
She has never remarried. She stayed faithful to the memory of her husband and son. She keeps their personal things safe — clothes, music, photos — all the things that help her hold on to the past.
In 2022, she appeared at Premios de la Radio in Mexico City, a show that honored her husband’s legacy. It was a rare moment where she stepped out of her quiet life to celebrate the people she loved most.
Her Role in Chalino Sánchez’s Legacy
Marisela continues to protect Chalino’s name with love and strength.
She has corrected stories when people tried to take credit for his success. Once, music producer Pedro Rivera said he made Chalino famous. Marisela disagreed. She said Chalino worked for his success and earned it himself.
There has been talk of a TV series or movie about Chalino’s life. Marisela said there’s already a script, and if it’s done the right way — with truth and respect — she would support it.
For now, she keeps his legacy alive in her own way — by being strong, by remembering, and by never letting the world forget who he was.
Final Thoughts
The life of Marisela Vallejos Felix is filled with sadness, but also courage.
She lost her husband, the legendary Chalino Sánchez, in a cruel and sudden way. Then, she lost her son, just as he was becoming a star. But she never gave up.
She didn’t chase fame. She didn’t fight for headlines. She simply focused on her family, her peace, and her memories. Through all her pain, she stood tall.
Her story reminds us that behind every legend, there is someone who carries the weight of love and loss. And sometimes, the strongest people are the ones we don’t see on stage.
(FAQs)
How old is Marisela Vallejos Felix now?
She is around 54 to 56 years old as of 2026. Her exact birth year is believed to be sometime in the early 1970s.
When is Marisela Vallejos Felix’s birthday?
Her exact birthday is unknown, and she has never shared it publicly. She has always kept her personal details very private.
Was Marisela Vallejos Felix really married to Chalino Sánchez?
Yes, she married Chalino Sánchez in 1984 while pregnant with their son. They stayed married until his murder in 1992.
Where does Marisela Vallejos Felix live today?
She still lives in the United States, mostly away from public attention. She continues to honor the memories of her husband and son.
Did she ever get remarried after Chalino Sánchez died?
No, she never remarried. Marisela chose to stay single and protect her family’s legacy in her own quiet way.
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