Basic Information
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Laura Elena Villa |
| Birth Year | 1971 |
| Age | 54 (as of July 2025) |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Widow of Armando Manzanero (2015–2020) |
Background and Early Life
Laura Elena Villa was born in 1971 into a prominent Mexican family and kept a modest profile. She graduated from a Mexican university with a bachelor’s degree in an undeclared field after completing her primary education at a private college. Before marrying Armando Manzanero, she avoided public attention, described by friends as intellectually interested but reclusive.
Marriage to Armando Manzanero
Laura Elena Villa, 44, and Armando Manzanero, 79, married in 2015. They were together for five years until Manzanero’s death in December 2020. Villa supported Manzanero during their marriage, taking him to cultural events such as the 2015 Mexican premiere of “El Rey León” at Teatro Telcel. Even though they were 35 years apart, they respected one other and worked to preserve Latin balladry.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Marriage ceremony of Villa and Manzanero |
| 2015 | Joint appearance at “El Rey León” premiere |
| Dec 2020 | Manzanero’s passing and end of marriage |
Role During COVID‑19 Hospitalization
After Armando Manzanero was hospitalised and intubated in December 2020 owing to COVID-19 difficulties and kidney issues, Laura Elena Villa became the family spokesman. She sent regular health updates, calling his condition “stable” despite respiratory issues and attributing some issues to anxiousness. Villa publicly revealed Manzanero’s death on December 28, 2020, emphasising their close relationship in his final days.
Life After 2020
Since her husband’s death on December 28, 2020, Laura Elena Villa has avoided public appearances and media engagements. She regrets not marrying Manzanero earlier and wants more years together. As of July 2025, she lives secretly and does not engage in public professional or philanthropic activities.
Family Connections and Extended Relations
Laura Elena Villa’s family identity is centred on her fifth marriage to Armando Manzanero. Despite having no biological children, she is the stepmother to Manzanero’s four children from his first marriage to María Elena Arjona.
| Stepchild | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Martha Manzanero | Daughter (first marriage) |
| María Elena Manzanero | Daughter (first marriage) |
| Diego Manzanero | Son (first marriage) |
| Armando Manzanero Jr. | Son (first marriage) |
Previously, Manzanero married María Elena Arjona (1957-1970), María Teresa Papiol (1988-1988), Olga Ardillas (2002-2006), and Susana Zabaleta (2006-2009). None of these marriages produced offspring beyond his first four. Laura chooses to keep her parents and siblings private.
Financial Overview
Laura Elena Villa inherited a $40 million estate from her musician husband Armando Manzanero, who had a successful career spanning seven decades. A conservative assessment puts her net worth over $100,000, including inheritance and personal assets. Although flat financial reports hinder accurate calculations, researchers agree that her financial status is solid as of mid-2025.
| Individual | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Laura Elena Villa | > $100,000 |
| Armando Manzanero (deceased) | ~$40 million at death |
Public Appearances and Cultural Influence
Although Laura Elena Villa did not pursue a public career, she discreetly represented Manzanero at many high-profile events between 2015 and 2020. Her attendance at awards and premieres boosted Manzanero’s cultural significance without overshadowing his art. She shunned tribute concerts and broadcast retrospectives after his death, indicating her preference for a solitary life.
FAQs
Who is Laura Elena Villa?
Laura Elena Villa, the widow of Armando Manzanero, celebrated writer and performer of over 400 romantic ballads, is a Mexican woman.
When did Laura Elena Villa marry Armando Manzanero?
They married in 2015 and remained spouses until Manzanero’s death in December 2020.
Does Laura Elena Villa have children?
She is stepmother to Manzanero’s four children from his first marriage but has no biological children.
What is Laura Elena Villa’s estimated net worth?
Her estimated net worth exceeds $100,000, boosted by inheritance from Manzanero’s $40 million estate.
What has Laura Elena Villa done since 2020?
Since her departure on December 28, 2020, Manzanero has kept a reclusive life, avoiding any pronouncements or appearances.
