The Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, 60, dies after a long battle with cancer

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Grammy Award-winning singer Raul Malo, 60, died on Monday, December 8, following a long-fought battle with cancer. His wife, Betty Malo, confirmed the news on social media.

Malo was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024 and revealed in September 2025 that he was also fighting leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a condition in which cancer spreads to the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Betty pays emotional tribute after Raul Malo’s death from cancer

Betty Malo took to Facebook and wrote in a post, "At 8:52 pm on December 8th, 2025, my love, our boys’ father, a devoted son and brother, and a friend to so many, gained his angel wings."

"He was called to do another gig, this time in the sky, and he’s flying high like an eagle. No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did," she added.

Betty continued, "Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment. Dino, Victor, Max and I,  along with our entire family, thank all of you for your love and support through all of this. We felt every bit of it. In Raul’s own words: 'Muchisimas gracias'."

Raul Malo was born in Miami to Cuban parents. He co-founded The Mavericks in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bass guitarist Robert Reynolds. Their debut album was released the following year on Y&T Music.

In September 2025, The Mavericks canceled their remaining tour dates so Malo could focus on his health. He posted a video on Instagram the same month, captioned, "I want to update you all on my health, as things have taken a turn. As it goes with cancer, it’s a very unpredictable and indiscriminatory disease."

"I’ve developed something called LMD, which stands for 'get this s*** out of my head.' Treatment for this is radiation, which I will start tomorrow," he said.

Malo added, "We will probably jump into some chemo, and are even looking at alternative therapies. But it’s time to take your words to heart of resting & recovering, so that’s what I’m going to do."

The legendary singer is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty; sons Dino, Victor, and Max; mother Norma; sister Carol; and Mavericks bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden.

Tributes pour in for Raul Malo 

Several internet users paid tribute to Raul Malo following his death on Monday after a long-fought battle with cancer. Singer Trisha Yearwood posted on X, "I don’t have words to express my sadness at the passing of Raul Malo, one of the finest voices of our generation, with a larger than life personality to go with it."

"I’ve been sitting with my memories this morning, and just want to send my love and strength to Betty and the Malo family, to The Mavericks, and to everyone who loved Raul and his music. Gone too soon," she added.

Similarly, an X user wrote, "Rest in peace to the most iconic voice I have ever heard, Raul Malo, The Mavericks, @MavericksMusic, the most complete band as well. Heartbreaking."

Veteran singer T Graham Brown posted, "Brother Raul Malo has passed away. He was a dear friend. He led his band, The Mavericks, for almost 40 years. He was a soulful dude, an innovator and rule breaker. The entire music community is grieving. Please, pray for his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, old buddy."

Another X user shared, "Gutted by the passing of Raul Malo. To say I was a fan of his music as a solo artist and as the lead singer of The Mavericks would be an understatement."

One more added, "My heart is truly broken today. Thank you, God, for allowing us to experience the beautiful gift that was Raul Malo’s voice. His music touched my soul in a way I’ll never forget."

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