Ito ang kinumpirma ng concert producer at sister in law niyang si Anna Puno, ngunit hindi pa nagbibigay ng kumpletong detalye ang pamilya tungkol sa pagkamatay ng OPM legend.
Mensahe ni Anna sa kanyang Instagram account, “I am seized with deep emotional shock when I found out that our OPM King—Kuya Rico J. Puno has passed away this morning (manila time).
“Numbed with grief, I would like to call on all entertainers in the OPM Industry as well as his worldwide fans to stop for a moment and say a prayer to one of the most respected singers in the country.
“I cannot help but say it was serendipitous that Starmedia prepared a solo 40th Anniversary concert for him and a U.S. tour with the OPM stalwarts and colleagues just recently.
“Little did I know that this is his Final Bow in the live entertainment world. We will forever miss the TOTAL ENTERTAINER…but his songs will forever cherish in our hearts.”
Kung matatandaan, noong April, 2015, sumailalim ang veteran singer sa pitong oras na heart surgery matapos idaing ang hirap sa paghinga habang nasa taping ng sitcom na Home Sweetie Home ng ABS-CBN.
Humarap pa sa entertainment press si Rico J sa huling presscon nito noong Oct. 18, para sa concert niyang “Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko,” kasama sina Marissa Sanchez at Giselle Sanchez.
Ilan sa mga kanta ni Rico na nagmarka sa mundo ng musika ay ang “Macho Gwapito”, “Lupa”, “May Bukas Pa”, “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi,” “Kapalaran” at marami pang iba.
Bumaha ng mensahe ng pakikidalamhati sa social media para sa katahimikan ng kaluluwa ng tinaguriang OPM King.