Who was Hajji Alejandro’s wife Rio Diaz and what happened to her? All about OPM legend’s family 

OPM icon Hajji Alejandro passed away at the age of 70 following a battle with colon cancer. Girlie Rodis, the talent manager for the Alejandro family, confirmed the news of his demise on April 22, 2025. They said in a statement:

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito 'Hajji' T. Alejandro. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time. To God be the glory. - Alejandro family.”

His daughter, Barni Alejandro, a celebrity chef, paid him a tribute on Facebook through her father’s song, Ang Lahat Ng Ito'y Para Sa'Yo, with a caption:

“I can’t fathom a life without you. My heart is broken into a million pieces. You were my first love, my hero, my idol. Forever, your Yabs!”

He is survived by his first wife, Myrna Demauro, with whom he shares two daughters, Rachel and Barni Alejandro, and his son, DeLara drummer Ali, from his second wife, Rio Diaz. She was a beauty queen and television personality, and reportedly died of cancer in 2004 at the age of 45.

According to her IMDb profile, she was first diagnosed with cancer in December 1998 and was given only three months to live, but she lived for six more years until her death. During the same year, she was also elected as the vice mayor of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental during the elections. She was reportedly the youngest among her 12 other siblings.

Here is everything you need to know about the legendary Filipino singer and actor’s family.

An overview of Hajji Alejandro’s family as he passes away

Hajji was born as Angelito Toledo Alejandro on December 26, 1954. He was a renowned pop icon in the 1970s and 1980s. He is best known for songs such as Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Nakapagtataka, Panakip-Butas, Tag-Ulan Sa Tag-Araw, and more.

His death came as a huge shock to the Filipino entertainment industry, as they lost four movie icons this year — Delia Razon, Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, and Nora Aunor. In March, the singer’s girlfriend Alynna Velasquez confirmed that he had been recovering after being diagnosed with colon cancer.

Rachel paid tribute to her father:

“I guess you could say it was a foregone conclusion that I would follow in my father’s footsteps,” Rachel told the outlet. She recalled being raised by her grandmother Nena and credited her for her talent.

Rachel Alejandro is a singer and actress who is 51 years old. In January 2025, she told ABS-CBN that she was looking forward to entering the Hollywood industry. Considering her age, she thinks that age is just a number and that it can’t drive her passion away.

Her sister, Barni Alejandro, is a chef. According to her Facebook, she completed her studies at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management. She and Rachel are co-founders of The Sexy Chef, a platform where you can order health-packed meals designed according to your taste.

Their stepbrother, Ali Alejandro, is a drummer for the band DeLara and an artist according to his social media profiles.

“I go by the name AADA, which are my initials. I grew up with family members having abbreviated names as sort of a ‘code’ to individualize them from others who might have similar names,” Alejandro tells Vogue Philippines.

All three siblings share a younger sister, Michelle Alejandro, who turned 32 this March.

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There are no reports about Hajji’s first wife, Myrna Demauro. According to a report in The Chronicle, Hajji and his second wife, Rio Diaz, opened a modest restaurant on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles after he stepped away from the spotlight. Sadly, in 2004, she passed away from colorectal cancer.

In early 2025, Hajji was also diagnosed with similar cancer. It was discovered after he suffered alarming symptoms like bloating and labored breathing during a trip to Vigan, stated the report.

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