Dominican music icon Alex Bueno passed away at age 62 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his timeless music and surviving family.
Legendary Latin music icon Alex Bueno has passed away. The Dominican singer died on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in New York City at the age of 62 after a long battle with cancer. Popular radio commentator Najib Chahede was the first to announce Bueno’s death on El Sol de la Manana, a message later confirmed by his family and team on his official Instagram account.
Known for timeless hits like Que Vuelva, Tres Noches, and Ese Hombre Soy Yo, which helped in Latin music's popularity across the globe, Bueno played a key role in defining bachata and merengue for generations. With his tragic demise, his mourning fans are peeking behind the curtain to see the lesser-known family that he left behind.
The singer was mostly private when it came to his personal life, but those close to Bueno remember him as a family man. He married his longtime partner, Sarah Arias, in 2013, and the pair have been inseparable ever since. Sarah was by Alex’s side during some of the most difficult final years of the singer’s life.
Not much is known about Sarah, but she has often been credited as the late singer’s strongest pillar of support. Even before Bueno's cancer diagnosis, she helped him through some of his deeply personal challenges, including his journey towards sobriety. While the singer generally kept his family life private, those close to him frequently spoke about the important role his wife played in helping him rebuild his life.
Despite his busy career and life in the spotlight, family always remained at the heart of Alex Bueno's world. Alongside being a devoted husband, he was also a proud father to six children: Benny, Natasha, Scarlett, Sarah, Kimberly, and Wigbert. As noted in his biography on Buena Musica, his children were a constant source of happiness, inspiration, and strength throughout his life and career.
Alex Bueno (full name Alejandro Wigberto Bueno López) is regarded as one of the most important artists of bachata and merengue, with a career spanning over four decades. He is the son of a family of musicians. The singer’s father, Santiago Bueno, played guitar and violin, and his mother, Francisca López, also had her roots in music. Alex Bueno dedicated himself to music throughout his career and became one of the most beloved voices in the world of entertainment in the Dominican Republic. But his journey has not been without hurdles.
The singer's struggle with substance abuse was no news. From an early age, he had developed addiction problems, which significantly hindered both his personal and professional growth. Despite being one of Latin music's most popular names, there were times when Bueno had to step away from music and leave huge projects midway due to his addiction problems. However, in 2014, he decided to turn his life around for the better and sought rehab. The singer has often credited his wife's huge support through his addiction and rehab battle.
According to the official statement posted on the singer's account, Alex Bueno passed away in NYC on June 18, 2026, the timing of his death being 9:43 AM (ET). The singer had been battling cancer for a long time, and he himself had publicly revealed his diagnosis in 2025 after doctors discovered a brain tumor. He had since moved to the United States with his wife for treatment and successfully underwent surgery. While initial reports suggested positive progress, cancer cells later spread to other parts of his body.
According to updates by his family, things were looking up for the bachata icon until recently, but his condition worsened dramatically in recent weeks after severe complications from low sodium and blood pressure levels. Given his deteriorating condition, he remained hospitalized in intensive care before passing away on Thursday morning. In their statement, his family wrote:
"His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of the arts and in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him and admiring his musical work."
Rest in peace, Alex Bueno!
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