Paulina Tamayo (60) — “La Grande del Ecuador” the Legacy of Ecuadorian Singer.
“Ecuador mourns the loss of Paulina Tamayo at age 60. Discover the life, career, final performance and enduring legacy of the legendary singer known as La Grande del Ecuador.” On the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Ecuadorian music lost one of its most luminous stars. Paulina Tamayo—affectionately known as “La Grande del Ecuador”—passed away at the age of 60. The announcement came via her official Instagram account, which simply declared, According to early media reports, Tamayo died at home of what was described as cardiac arrest in the early hours of the morning. With a career that spanned more than four decades, Tamayo’s impact on Ecuadorian music and culture is profound. In this article we explore her life, celebrated career, greatest hits, cause of death, final performances and enduring legacy.
1. Early Life & Emergence Into Music
Born in Quito, Ecuador, on April 14 1965, Paulina de las Mercedes Tamayo Cevallos began her journey into music at an extraordinarily young age. (Wikipedia)
At the age of five she joined the company of acclaimed actor Ernesto Albán, where she remained for some 12 years, absorbing the stagecraft and performance skills that would define her career. (Somos Hermanos)
Her family environment was steeped in music: her mother María Luisa Cevallos Paladines was a relative of composer Víctor Manuel Valencia Nieto, and the household nurtured a deep passion for Ecuadorean song. (Wikipedia)
From that foundation, Tamayo emerged not just as a performer, but as a custodian and ambassador of Ecuador’s musical traditions.
2. The Rise of “La Grande del Ecuador”
Over her more than 40-year career, Tamayo became a dominant voice in national music. Her title La Grande del Ecuador reflects both her stature and her service to the country’s musical identity. (Daily Jang)
She specialized in genres central to Ecuador’s identity—pasillo, albazo, pasacalle and waltz—cementing her place as a guardian of traditional song while evolving to reach new audiences. (Somos Hermanos)
Notably, Tamayo’s career wasn’t limited to Ecuador: she toured internationally in countries such as Colombia, Peru, Spain and the United States, bringing Ecuador’s musical voice to the wider Latin American and global stage. (Somos Hermanos)
3. Major Collaborations & Achievements
Paulina Tamayo’s collaborations and recognitions highlight how she bridged generations and borders. Over her career she worked with internationally renowned artists, including Alci Acosta, Roberto Carlos, Juan Gabriel, José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma” and many more. (Somos Hermanos)
She received nearly twenty awards for her talent, both domestic and international, affirming her status as one of Ecuador’s foremost musical figures. (Somos Hermanos)
One landmark achievement: in 2016 she became the first female Ecuadorian artist to sell out the Coliseo General Rumiñahui in Quito—a milestone for national artists. (Somos Hermanos)
Her albums celebrated milestones—25, 30, 35, 40 years of singing—and became cultural markers of Ecuador’s musical landscape. (Wikipedia)
4. Signature Songs & Musical Impact
Some of Tamayo’s best-known songs include: “Imploración de amor”, “Fe perdida”, “Mentiras”, “Callecita de amor”, “Nuestro secreto”, “Amor dolor” and “Parece mentira”. (Somos Hermanos)
Her voice—described as bright, agile and emotionally expressive—was the perfect vehicle for the lyrical drama of Ecuador’s national song styles. (Somos Hermanos)
She successfully revitalised interest in traditional genres among younger audiences, thereby helping ensure that Ecuador’s musical traditions continued to thrive in the 21st century. (libjournals.unca.edu)
In an era of globalised pop, Tamayo’s commitment to national styles helped fortify cultural identity—and her songs remain staples on Ecuadorian radio, streaming platforms and festive occasions.
5. Final Years & One of Her Last Performances
In the final phase of her career, Tamayo continued to perform and engage with audiences. One of her last major appearances occurred during the celebration of Día del Pasillo in Quito in October 2025, where she reaffirmed her role as a cultural icon. (Somos Hermanos)
Although age and the demands of performance can weigh heavily on any artist, Tamayo’s energy and presence remained compelling—she carried the mantle of national music with pride to the very end.
She also maintained an active social-media presence, reflecting the evolving dynamics of music consumption and audience engagement in her generation.
6. The Announcement of Her Passing & Cause of Death
The news of Paulina Tamayo’s death was confirmed through her Instagram account on the morning of October 21, 2025, where a heartfelt message read:
“La grande ecuatoriana, una leyenda de nuestra música, nos deja un legado que vivirá por siempre. Su voz queda en el corazón de todo un país.” (Instagram)
The official social-media announcement also noted that the love of her life, her example and her inspiration would leave an eternal imprint on the hearts of those who loved her. (Somos Hermanos)
Regarding the cause of death: early reports state that Tamayo died of cardiac arrest at her home in the early hours of the morning. (El-Balad.com)
However, other accounts mention respiratory insufficiency as a contributing factor, suggesting that the immediate medical event was cardiac arrest following acute respiratory crisis. (El-Balad.com)
No detailed medical statement has been publicly released by the family at the time of writing. Regardless of cause, the impact of her passing on Ecuador’s music community was immediate and profound.
7. Legacy: Why Paulina Tamayo Matters & How She’ll Be Remembered
Cultural Icon
Tamayo’s importance lies not only in her vocal talent, but in what she represented: a living bridge between Ecuador’s musical heritage and modern audiences. Her title La Grande del Ecuador is not merely honorary—it signals the responsibility she embraced to carry Ecuador’s traditions forward.
Inter-Generational Reach
Her career touched multiple generations—those who grew up hearing her on vinyl and radio, younger listeners discovering her via streaming, and fellow artists who cite her as an influence.
National Pride & Identity
In a world increasingly globalised, Tamayo’s work affirmed the value of national culture. She showed that Ecuadorian music could stand proudly alongside international genres, not as a niche, but as something alive, vibrant and relevant.
Educational & Inspirational Impact
Her story—from early debut to mature artist—serves as example for aspiring performers in Ecuador and Latin America. She also helped raise the profile of the pasillo and other national genres in academic and cultural circles. (libjournals.unca.edu)
Enduring Musical Catalogue
With albums marking decades, major songs surviving in public memory, and recordings available digitally, Tamayo’s voice will continue to resonate. The statement she issued via Instagram emphasised that her legacy will live forever. (Instagram)
Tribute & Future Recognitions
In the days ahead, the Ecuadorian music community and public will likely organise memorials, tribute concerts and educational events in Tamayo’s honour. Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief—and with it, the resolve to preserve the heritage she championed.
Thoughts
Paulina Tamayo’s passing at 60 marks the end of an era—but the beginning of a legacy that will continue to uplift Ecuadorian music. As her Instagram message poignantly summarized, “Su voz queda en el corazón de todo un país.”
For everyone in Ecuador and across Latin America who found solace, joy and identity in her songs, Tamayo’s voice remains. And for future generations exploring their musical heritage, she stands as a beacon—a testament to the power of national culture, artistic dedication and soulful expression.
As we mourn her departure, we also celebrate her life: the young star who joined Ernesto Albán’s company at age five, the woman who became La Grande del Ecuador, and the artist whose voice will forever echo in the Andes, in the valleys, and in the hearts of those who love Ecuadorian song.
“Thank you for so much, for your endless dedication, for your strength, and for teaching me that life is sung with the soul. Your presence will be eternal.” — Tribute posted by her family following Tamayo’s passing. (Somos Hermanos)