Gloria Estefan's Mother Dead At 88: Gloria Fajardo 'Rapuela' Dies After Hospitalization

Gloria Fajardo, mother of Gloria Estefan, has died at the age of 88. Fajardo was known as "Rapuela" as of late as several videos of her rapping went viral. Estefan confirm the news of her passing via Instagram sharing a photo of her late mother with her two best friends that were by her side at the time of her death.

"Tonight at 8:19 pm we lost my beloved mother, the inimitable Gloria Fajardo," Estefan wrote on the social network. "She went peacefully surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren, son-in-laws, niece, three loving caregivers, extended family and her most trusted friends, very especially, the two beautiful ladies in each side in this picture, Carmen Corpion & Clara Bris. They were an integral part of her posse not only throughout her life but to her last breath. I know it was exactly the way she would have wanted her departure from this earth to be, surrounded by love and the true representations of everyone that was special to her in life."

Gloria Estefan also explained that the time of her death had a special meaning. "I know she chose the very moment, 8:19, because her beloved mother had died on 8/19 thirty-two years ago and she wanted to make sure that we got the message that she was with our beloved grandmother, Abuela Consuelo and my loving father, Jose Manuel," she added. "I will miss her every moment of every day and I thank her for being the incredible mother, woman and role model that she was to so many people. Thank you for your prayers and messages, and the love and concern that filled our hearts and accompanied us throughout this most difficult time. Please know that at every moment, I let her know about the love and light that was being sent to her and she appreciated and absorbed every beautiful sentiment. Thank you for keeping us in your hearts and gently holding our hands."

On May 27 Gloria Estefan took to her Instagram account to thank all of her followers for sending well wishes as "Rapuela" was seemingly getting better. "Thanks so much for the heartfelt prayers and good thoughts that you have sent our way...I can attest that their impact has been nothing short of miraculous," she wrote at the time. "The difference that we are seeing in my Mami's spirit, will and general condition is truly wondrous and I have no words to adequately express our gratitude. And though she has a challenging road ahead on the way back to being the diva you see in this picture full of health and vigor, we have no doubt that she will achieve that goal and that your prayers are a very big part of her recuperation! THANK YOU!!"

Days later it seems like her condition worsened and once again Gloria asked for prayers and support during the difficult journey. "I'm calling, once again, on all my prayer warriors...If you have a spare moment please send my momma, Gloria Fajardo, your prayers, love & light to give her strength throughout her difficult healing process. I love you & thank you for all the beautiful messages & sentiments that you've sent to us already..."