Emilio Navaira Death: Tejano Star Funeral To Be Open To Fans

Emilio Navaira's family has revealed details of the late Tejano star's funeral that will take place in his hometown this weekend.

The funeral will be open to the public so that all of his fans can attend and bid their last farewell to the King of Rodeo. The funeral, according to People en Español, will take place from 10 a.m. (local time) on Sunday, May 22nd at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.

People en Español noted that a rosary will be held at 4 p.m. (local time) on Sunday and there will be a mass on Monday at the Catedral de San Fernando.

"The pain we are feeling is hard," said Raulito Navaira, brother of the late Tejano artist to People en Español. "It helps knowing that a lot of people loved my brother," he added. Raulito Navaia, along with the singer's widower Maru, their five children, his mother and other family members are expected to attend the public funeral.

Emilio Navaira passed away from a heart attack on May 16 at the age of 53. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his publicist Norma Duran on Facebook, who wrote the following message: "I regretfully inform you that the rumor has been confirmed. The Texas musical family is mourning. Rest in peace Emilio Navaira. My deepest condolences to all his family and fans."

The singer, who was often compared to Garth Brooks and released hit songs such as "Por Siempre Unidos" and "It's Not The End Of The World," was also a good friend of the late Selena Quintanilla and the Quintanilla family. The two Tejano sensations even recorded a single together called "Tu Robaste Mi Corazon," featured on Selena's Grammy-winning album "Selena Live!"

"She was like a sister to me," said the singer in a rare interview honoring the Queen of Tejano on her 20th death anniversary in 2015. "We sang together and recorded a song together, not everyone can say that, but I can," he added.