NEW YORK (AP) — The mother of Grammy-winning pop star Bruno Mars has died in Hawaii.
Bernadette Hernandez died Saturday of a brain aneurysm, according to a publicist for Mars' label, Atlantic Records, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak on the record.
Hernandez was 55 years old. She died in Honolulu at Queens Medical Center; no other information was given.
Mars is one of pop's top acts with several No. 1 hits including his most recent, "When I Was Your Man." His mother, a hula dancer and a singer who immigrated from the Philippines, nurtured her son's interest in music at an early age.
OMG I can't believe it, how in hell did this happen, they were saying she suffered a serious heart attack and she didn't make it.
Quote:
Bruno Mars' mother Bernadette Hernandez is in recovery on Saturday after suffering a serious heart attack.
According to Star magazine the 55-year-old was rushed to the hospital near her home in Honolulu, Hawaii on Friday night and is currently in critical condition.
'Bernadette is in hospital and the grandkids are all here, I’m looking after them,' family friend Anita Sojot told the magazine.
'The family is on it’s way here right now and we are going to discuss what to do next.'
Growing up one of six children, Bruno has not been one to shy from expressing his love for his mother.
The 27-year-old singer opened up about his childhood in the April issue of Rolling Stone, talking about his family's penchant for music and dressing as Elvis as a toddler.
'I wouldn't trade it for anything,' Bruno told the magazine of singing in a family band. 'Because I feel like I can enjoy this so much.'
When he was four he recorded a tune he penned titled I Love You Mom, an 80s style synth ballad in which he repeats the title and calls her 'my favourite girl.'
'My mommy helps me with my voice / cuz a superstar singer is my first choice,' he rhymes. The youngster, born Peter Gene Hernandez, also talks about chores and obeying his parents.
'My parents help me out cuz I know they love me / I just wish they buy me more toys and candy.
'I always brush my teeth cuz my mommy said / I do it in the morning and right before bed.'
Bruno, who is set to launch his Moonshine Jungle Tour in June, also has her name tattooed on his shoulder.
MailOnline has reached out to Bruno Mars for comment.