The 71-year-old Filipino film superstar and politician passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as confirmed by her son Ian De Leon in a social media post.
While the specific cause remains undisclosed, local media outlet Inquirer.net reported that Aunor was at a Pasig hospital for a medical procedure before her passing. However, the details of this procedure have not been revealed. According to her Wikipedia page, she died at Medical City in Pasig, Philippines.
Aunor had been facing health challenges in recent years that had caused her to withdraw from public appearances. Earlier in 2025, she was unable to attend the grand media conference for her last film project, “Mananambal” (The Healer), which sparked concerns among fans and critics about her health condition.
Her son Ian De Leon announced her passing with an emotional message describing her as “the heart of our family—a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth.” Her daughter Lotlot de León also expressed on Instagram that her mother “influenced generations with her unparalleled talent, elegance, and fervor for her art.”
Nora Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, was a celebrated figure in Philippine entertainment whose career spanned seven decades. She rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in Philippine cinema, accumulating more than 200 film and television credits throughout her illustrious career. In 2022, she was conferred as a National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts, the country’s highest honor for artists.
The entertainment industry and fans across the Philippines are mourning the loss of this cultural icon, with tributes pouring in from across the country highlighting her extraordinary contributions to Philippine cinema and culture.