The Two Wives Of Chris Pérez: What Happened To The Tejano Guitarist’s Marriage And His Current Relationship Status In 2025

The life and romantic journey of Chris Pérez, the Grammy-winning guitarist best known as the widower of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, has been a subject of intense public curiosity for decades. As of December 2025, Chris Pérez is not currently married, having been through two significant marriages that shaped his life and career: his iconic, brief marriage to Selena and his subsequent marriage to Vanessa Villanueva, which ended in divorce.

The persistent search for "Chris Perez wife" often leads to his two former partners. His story is one of profound love, devastating loss, and a challenging journey to find peace after the tragedy that defined his early adulthood, a journey he has documented in his memoir, To Selena, With Love.

Chris Pérez: A Complete Biography and Profile

Christopher Gilbert Pérez is an American guitarist, songwriter, and author whose career is inextricably linked to the history of Tejano music. His personal life, marked by two high-profile marriages, has made him a figure of enduring public interest.

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• Full Name: Christopher Gilbert Pérez
• Date of Birth: August 14, 1969
• Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
• Age (as of 2025): 56
• Occupation: Musician (Guitarist), Songwriter, Author
• Known For: Lead guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos; widower of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
• First Wife: Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (m. 1992; d. 1995)
• Second Wife: Vanessa Villanueva (m. 2001; div. 2008)
• Children: Two (with Vanessa Villanueva): Noah Pérez and Cassie Pérez (also known as Kassie).
• Notable Works: Album *Resurrection* (with the Chris Pérez Band); Memoir *To Selena, With Love*.

The Iconic First Wife: Selena Quintanilla-Pérez

Chris Pérez’s first marriage to Selena Quintanilla-Pérez remains one of the most famous and tragic love stories in music history. Their relationship began as a professional one, with Pérez joining the band Selena y Los Dinos in 1990 as the lead guitarist.

The romance between the two was initially kept secret due to the disapproval of Selena’s father and the band's manager, Abraham Quintanilla Jr.

Elopement and Brief Happiness

The couple defied the odds and eloped on April 2, 1992, a move that initially caused tension but eventually led to the family's acceptance.

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Their marriage was brief but deeply loving, lasting just under three years before tragedy struck. Selena was murdered on March 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar, the former president of her fan club.

Selena’s death left Pérez devastated, causing him to retreat from the public eye and struggle with a profound, years-long depression. His memoir, *To Selena, With Love*, details the depth of their relationship and the immense grief he endured.

Vanessa Villanueva: The Second Chapter and Divorce

Years after the death of Selena, Chris Pérez attempted to move forward with his life. He was introduced to Vanessa Villanueva through a mutual friend, John Garza, around 1998.

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Villanueva was an actress and model, and their relationship marked a significant new chapter for Pérez as he sought to overcome his grief and build a new family.

Marriage and Children

Chris Pérez married Vanessa Villanueva in 2001.

The couple welcomed two children together: a daughter, Cassie Pérez (also known as Kassie), and a son, Noah Pérez.

The birth of his children and his marriage to Villanueva represented a period of stability and a renewed focus on family life for the musician.

The Reasons Behind the 2008 Divorce

Despite their efforts, the marriage to Vanessa Villanueva did not last, and the couple divorced in 2008.

The dissolution of their marriage was attributed to several factors, primarily Pérez's struggles with his past and his inability to fully adjust to life after Selena's passing.

Sources indicate that Pérez’s continued reliance on alcohol and his frequent absence due to touring created an unbearable strain on the marriage.

The shadow of his first wife, coupled with the musician's personal struggles, proved too much for the relationship to sustain, leading Villanueva to file for divorce. The couple has reportedly maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship for their children since the split.

Chris Pérez’s Current Relationship Status in 2025

The biggest question for fans is always: Who is Chris Pérez’s wife now? As of the latest available information in December 2025, Chris Pérez is currently single and not married.

Since his divorce from Vanessa Villanueva in 2008, Pérez has focused on his career and, most importantly, on his role as a father to his two children, Cassie and Noah Pérez.

His social media presence often features his musical projects, including his work with the Chris Pérez Band and his collaborations with other artists. He also frequently shares moments with his children, showcasing his dedication to his family life.

Focus on Legacy and Family

Pérez continues to honor the memory and legacy of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, often sharing tributes and memories of her on his social media platforms. His role in the history of Tejano music and the enduring impact of Selena y Los Dinos remains a central part of his public identity.

While the guitarist has not publicly entered into a new serious relationship or marriage since his divorce, his life is full, centered around his passion for music and his commitment to being a present father. His journey is a testament to overcoming profound loss and finding new purpose, even if the title of "Chris Perez wife" remains unclaimed for the time being.