FANS have taken to the internet to celebrate famous singer Johnny Ventura after his death.
He leaves behind his longtime wife Nelly Josefina Flores. Here's more about her...
Who is Johnny Ventura's wife Nelly Josefina Flores?
Nelly Josefina Flores was the wife of successful Dominican singer Johnny Ventura.
She is also known as Fifa, a nickname given to her by the Dominican artist.
Little is known about Nelly, who enjoyed her time away from the limelight.
When did Johnny Ventura and Nelly Josefina Flores get married?
The pair tied the knot on October 27, 1970.
In a post shared on Instagram for their 50th wedding anniversary, Johnny poetically reflected on their union.
He wrote: "Fifa and I arrived today in our first 50 years of marriage and I thank the Lord for putting her at the helm of the boat of my life and driving it with skill, both in calm and turbulent water;
"Guiding the ship to a safe harbor with overflowing affection and understanding, in a space of so much human warmth, that my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and I have felt living, more than in a home, in an inexhaustible spring of love."
Nelly's father did not feel a musician could be her perfect match and her stepmother initially disapproved of the union.
"I'll be waiting for you in six months with a pot-bellied figure", Nelly's stepmother allegedly said, implying that their marriage would be short-lived and that she would come back to her parents with a baby on the way.
Did they have children?
Yes, the pair share seven children.
Their names are Jandy, Ana Yahaira, Juan José, Daysi, and Erudi Andreina.
The artist was also the father of Hilda and Virginia del Carmen, born from other relationships prior to his marriage with Nelly.
Johnny was also the grandfather of 17 children and had three great-grandchildren.
Most read in Celebrity
When did Johnny Ventura die?
Johnny's death was announced on July 28, 2021, by officials in the Dominican Republic.
His son Jandy revealed his cause of death, telling local press that his father died in hospital after suffering a heart attack at the age of 81.
Not much was known about the late singer's health, although he did survive an encounter with coronavirus.
Video of Merengue singer Johnny Ventura performing in the Dominican RepublicncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK57xKernqqklravucSnq2hrY2yAd4SYaKGooJ6jxm7CxKerrqqRqHq4tcWeZKednKHGbrbOrJyfoZ6Weqe4zqucrGc%3D