Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 27, 2025 · Entertainment

Tribute to the Enigmatic Voice: Rebekah Del Rio, Star of 'Mulholland Drive', Passes Away

American singer Rebekah Del Rio (pictured) has died at the age of 57. Her cause of death remains unknown

SHOCKING LOSS IN THE MUSIC WORLD: Rebekah Del Rio, Legendary Singer of "Llorando" Fame, Dies at 57

The music world is reeling in shock as news breaks that American singer-songstress Rebekah Del Rio has passed away at the age of 57. The talented artist, known for her heart-wrenching performance of "Llorando" in David Lynch's cult classic film Mulholland Drive, was found dead at her Los Angeles home on June 23.

Del Rio's passing is a devastating blow to fans and fellow artists alike, coming just months after the loss of another beloved figure in the entertainment industry - David Lynch himself. The iconic director, who helmed Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, and other critically acclaimed films, died earlier this year at the age of 78.

Rebekah died on June 23 after being found at her Los Angeles home

As news of Del Rio's passing spread like wildfire on social media, tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists around the world. Her nephew Dan Coronado confirmed her death with a heartfelt post on Facebook, revealing that the singer had performed just weeks prior to her passing at a charity screening of Mulholland Drive in LA.

A VOICE LIKE NO OTHER

Del Rio's hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Llorando" - a Spanish version of Roy Orbison's classic hit "Crying" - has become an iconic scene in Mulholland Drive. The song, recorded before filming began on the movie, was a labor of love for Del Rio, who poured her heart and soul into every take.

The San Diego-born singer was famed for her performance of Llorando - a Spanish version of Roy Orbison's Crying - in the 2001 film Mullholland Drive (Pictured: Laura Harring and Justin Theroux in the film)

In a 2022 interview with IndieWire, Del Rio revealed the emotional toll that recording the track took on her. "I sang along because I felt I had to produce that same feeling with the vibrato in my throat so the audience could see it," she said. "I also wanted the beautiful girls on the balcony, Laura and Naomi [Watts and Harring], to experience it live. They were present while I was doing my scene, so I sang to them."

A LIFE MARRED BY GRIEF

Del Rio's passing comes just 16 years after the loss of her son Phillip C. DeMars, who died of cancer at the age of 23 in 2009. In a poignant interview with The Guardian in 2023, Del Rio opened up about the grief she had carried with her since his passing.

Del Rio had performed at a charity screening of the famous film just two weeks before her sad death earlier this week

"My voice lends itself to that sadness because I carry a lot of grief inside," she said. "I think my music is a reflection of that."

FANS PAY TRIBUTE

As news of Del Rio's passing spread, fans flocked to social media to pay tribute to the legendary singer. "Just learned that Rebekah Del Rio passed away a few days ago," wrote one fan. "RIP to an incredible voice." Another fan echoed the sentiment: "This is sad. Rebekah Del Rio had a stunning voice."

She went onto work with Mullholland Drive director David Lynch - who sadly died earlier this year - on further occasions

A small but passionate group of fans even shared their own personal stories about seeing Del Rio perform live, including a memorable night at the Rio Theatre in LA.

LIVING WITH LEGACY

Del Rio's music and legacy will continue to be celebrated by fans around the world. Her performance in Mulholland Drive remains an iconic moment in film history, and her hauntingly beautiful voice continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Rebekah's nephew praised her 'beautiful gift' following her passing, saying he was 'so grateful the kids got to hear her sing'

As we say goodbye to this talented artist, we can't help but wonder what other masterpieces she would have given us if only life had allowed. But for now, let's cherish the music she left behind, and remember Rebekah Del Rio as the incredible talent that she was.

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com - "David Lynch Dies at 78; Cause of Death Revealed"
  • IndieWire - "Rebekah Del Rio on Recording 'Llorando' for Mulholland Drive"
  • The Guardian - "Rebekah Del Rio on Her Grief and the Power of Music"

Supporters of Rebekah took to X after her passing to pay tribute. 'Just like in Mullholland Drive, her voice keeps going when she's not here', one wrote