Filipina OPM singer Claire dela Fuente dies aged 62: 'Karen Carpenter of the Philippines'

Her son has confirmed she had Covid-19 at the time of her death in an emotional TV interview

Filipina singer Claire dela Fuente has died aged 62. Courtesy Claire dela Fuente / Facebook

Claire dela Fuente was known as the 'Karen Carpenter of the Philippines'. Courtesy Claire dela Fuente / Facebook

She is survived by her two sons, Gregorio 'Gigo' de Guzman and Gracielo 'Mickey' de Guzman. Courtesy Claire dela Fuente's Facebook

Claire dela Fuente's son Gigo de Guzman confirmed she had died on the morning of March 30, 2021. Courtesy Claire dela Fuente / Facebook

Claire dela Fuente had Covid-19 at the time of her death. Instagram

Beloved Filipina singer Claire dela Fuente has died aged 62.

The OPM singer's son, Gigo de Guzman, confirmed the news of her death in an interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday.

"Earlier this morning, my mum Claire dela Fuente passed away [from] cardiac arrest," he told the Philippines network.

"She was Covid positive, diagnosed last week," he confirmed. "I, myself, am also Covid positive but am showing no symptoms."

In the interview, he said that his mother, who has been referred to as the "Karen Carpenter of the Philippines" and "Asia's sweetest voice", also had anxiety, hypertension and diabetes.

The news of dela Fuente's death was broken by ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe, who wrote on Twitter: "OPM icon Claire dela Fuente passed away this morning due to cardiac arrest. Relatives of the singer confirmed her passing early this morning. Claire's son, Gigo, also confirmed this news."

The veteran performer, who was best known for her song Sayang, was discovered in a singing competition aged 15 by the late composer George Canseco.

Aged 19, she married Moises "Boy" de Guzman, who was 10 years her senior. The couple had two sons together, Gregorio "Gigo" de Guzman and Gracielo "Mickey" de Guzman. Moises de Guzman died in December 2006 following a five-month cancer battle. The couple were married for 28 years.

Tributes to Claire dela Fuente

Fellow Filipina singer Leah Navarro wrote: "Heard Claire dela Fuente died this morning. Condolences to her family. We performed together many times, she was proud to be called a Jukebox Queen. Rest in peace, Claire."

Mr Taiwan 2017, Valentine Rosales, wrote: "She’s not only a mom but she also became our hero. You will be missed Mommy Claire."

Filipino singer Jaya paid tribute to her in Tagalog, adding in English: "May you truly rest in God’s peace."