Instagram / @LittleMissTNT
Tejano music icon Shelly Lares is known for her powerful voice and vibrant stage presence, but she recently took to social media to share a more personal side of her journey — one that includes fond memories of her friendship with the late Selena Quintanilla-Perez. In a heartfelt video shared with her followers, Shelly spoke about the impact Selena had on her life and the enduring bond they shared.
Affectionately known as “Little Miss Dynamite,” Shelly Lares retired from touring a couple of years ago after 40 years of success in the music industry. She not only recorded her own hit songs but also established Shellshock Records 3, a label where she currently mentors and produces the next generation of Tejano artists. However, it’s her memories of Selena that continue to inspire and move her to this day.
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In the video, Shelly recalls a moment when she came across a video that featured both herself and Selena. The video, which was a compilation of clips from both artists, showed Selena discussing her favorite Tejano artists. She shyly mentioned a few names — and then added, “Shelly Lares,” to the list.
“I decided to take a little break and check my social media. I checked my Instagram, and I was asked to be a collaborator for this video. There were two separate videos put into one, one with Selena and one with me. In her video, they asked Selena who her favorite Tejano artists were. She was about to say, ‘Don’t put me on the spot,’ but then she mentioned a couple of names — and then she said me,” Shelly shared in the video.
The second video, which was recorded after Selena’s tragic passing, had Lares reflecting on her own favorite memory of her late friend. “They asked me what my favorite memory was, and I vaguely remember doing that video. It wasn’t something I did often at the time,” Shelly recalled
What followed was a wave of emotions as Shelly reflected on their friendship. “When I think of my friend, I laugh because we had so much fun together. We had a lot of good times. I always try to think of the good. I try to keep my heart in a positive, loving space,” she said. “I’m grateful to God for everything I do and have. I have a picture of Selena in my studio, and I talk to her just like I talk to my dad. I love her and remember her fondly.”
But as the memories came flooding back, Shelly was feeling deeply emotional. “Today, something stopped me in my tracks. I sat back in my chair, and everything just started flooding in. I looked around my studio and thought, ‘Wow, I wish my friend could see where I’m at today.’ And I wish she could’ve seen where she’d be too,” she said with a sigh. “I wish she could have experienced being a mom and a grandma, and we all know things happen in life, but I just can’t help but think of all the wonderful things she could’ve had.”
Selena was tragically murdered in 1995 by her former employee, marking a devastating loss for both the Tejano music world and her many fans. But Shelly’s heartfelt words serve as a testament to Selena’s enduring legacy — one that continues to touch the hearts of so many.
Shelly Lares and Selena Quintanilla in 1989. Photo courtesy of Ramón Hernández Archives
Shelly Lares closed her emotional reflection by sharing a message of love and gratitude with her followers. “The moral of the story is to live life to the fullest and show those you love that you love them,” she said. “There’s enough cruelty in the world, so let’s spread love to everyone, even those we don’t know.”
Selena’s influence remains alive through the memories of those who loved her, and Shelly’s tribute serves as a reminder of the power of friendship, love, and the positive impact Selena left on the Tejano community.
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