Laura Pausini Honors Late Dominican Icon Rubby Pérez in Emotional Tribute

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An emotional tribute to Dominican merengue legend Rubby Pérez unfolded on May 12, 2026, at Santo Domingo’s Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito, where his daughter Zulinka Pérez and Italian superstar Laura Pausini joined voices in a heartfelt performance of “Cuando se ama”—a song that became the centerpiece of the late artist’s farewell ceremony.

The private homage, attended by Pérez’s family, close friends, and fans, marked the final act of respect for the musician who died on April 8, 2025, at age 69 after a tragic collapse during a performance at the Jet Set discotheque. According to Diario Primicia and Globovisión, the moment when Pausini and Pérez sang together—with the Italian artist reportedly embracing her younger colleague mid-song—sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration among attendees, many of whom were moved to tears.

Who was Rubby Pérez? Born on March 8, 1956 in Bajos de Haina, Pérez rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of groups like Los Juveniles de Baní and Los Hijos del Rey, but his collaboration with Wilfrido Vargas’s orchestra in 1982 cemented his legacy with hits like “El Africano” and “Volveré”. As a solo artist, he achieved international acclaim with tracks such as “Buscando tus Besos” and “Dame Veneno”, earning multiple Premios Casandra and platinum records. His death—caused by structural failure during a live show—shocked the Dominican music scene, and beyond.

The tribute at the Teatro Nacional was not just a musical farewell but a celebration of Pérez’s enduring influence. El Nacional described the event as a blend of “cánticos, oraciones y profundo sentimiento” (songs, prayers, and deep emotion), with Pérez’s daughter—herself a musician in her father’s band—leading the emotional procession. The presence of Pausini, a global icon with a career spanning Latin and Italian audiences, elevated the occasion into a cross-cultural homage.

Why the tribute resonated

The collaboration between Pausini and Pérez reflected more than a shared stage; it symbolized the merengue’s global reach. Pausini, who has previously praised Dominican music, told reporters during a separate event in Santo Domingo that Pérez’s work reminds us that music transcends borders—a sentiment echoed by fans who flooded social media with tributes. Videos of the performance, including the viral moment of their embrace, have been shared millions of times, with hashtags like #RubbyPérez and #MerengueParaSiempre trending in Latin America.

Industry observers note the tribute’s significance not only for Pérez’s family but for Dominican music’s legacy. “Rubby was more than an artist; he was a cultural ambassador,” said a source close to the event, adding that the collaboration with Pausini put a spotlight on how far merengue has traveled. The event also highlighted the challenges of live performances in aging venues—a topic that has gained traction in Dominican media following Pérez’s death.

A legacy that lives on

Pérez’s funeral, held at the Teatro Nacional, was attended by fellow artists, including Hilda Herrera and Nancy Hernández, who performed alongside Pérez’s family. His body was later laid to rest in a private ceremony, but the public homage ensured his final days were marked by the same passion that defined his career.

For Zulinka Pérez, the tribute was both a personal and professional milestone. As she told reporters afterward, My father’s music was my first teacher. Today, we shared that gift with the world. The performance also underscored the generational impact of Pérez’s work, with younger artists like Zulinka carrying forward his style.

While the immediate aftermath of Pérez’s death saw an outpouring of condolences, the Teatro Nacional tribute became a defining moment in his memorial. It served as a reminder of merengue’s power to unite—whether through sorrow or celebration—and cemented Pérez’s place as one of the genre’s most beloved figures.

For now, the focus remains on honoring his memory. As Diario Libre noted, Rubby Pérez’s voice may be silent, but his music will continue to dance in the hearts of those who loved him.