(UPDATE) THE industry is mourning the passing of Pilita Corrales, also known as "Asia's Queen of Songs," who died on Saturday, April 12. She was 85.

Her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, confirmed the news in an Instagram post and led the outpouring of online tributes.

"She touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry but most of all for her love of life and family."

Corrales' career began in Australia during the 1950s, where she rose to fame with her rendition of "Come Closer to Me."

Over six decades, she recorded more than 50 albums in English, Filipino, Spanish and Cebuano. Her signature song, "Kapantay ay Langit," became a classic in Philippine music history.

She was also the first Filipino artist to perform at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, invited by the legendary Sammy Davis Jr.

In 1972, she won the Best Performer Award at the inaugural Tokyo Music Festival, surpassing international stars including Olivia Newton-John.

Corrales also made her mark on Philippine television and cinema, appearing in numerous films from the late 1960s through the 1990s. She later served as a judge on talent shows including "Philippine Idol" and "Asian Idol."

Zsa Zsa Padilla was among the first to post heartfelt tributes to Corrales.

"It's hard to imagine a world without you. ... You were truly one of a kind. I'll never forget the first time we worked together — what an honor it was to finally get to know you beyond the icon I had long admired. You were always so candid, so funny, so full of life. I will miss your stories deeply. I will forever treasure the advice you've shared with me," Padilla wrote, calling Corrales her idol and inspiration.

"Her songs [are] engraved in my mother's heart. Beyond grateful for this artist," actor Jericho Rosales wrote.

"Honored to have recorded this duet version of her song. She was thrilled to make her first-ever music video in her career. Love you Tapilits. Your voice stayed golden till the end," actor-singer Janno Gibbs said.

She had two children — Jackielou Blanco, from her marriage to Spanish executive Gonzalo Blanco, and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, with actor Eddie Gutierrez. Her grandchildren — Janine Gutierrez, Diego Gutierrez, and Arabella Davao — have all followed in their footsteps in the entertainment industry.

In 2024, it was revealed that a documentary on Corrales' life is in the works, with Janine Gutierrez producing the film. It will be directed by award-winning filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama, known for the documentary "Sunday Beauty Queen."