The news was announced by singer-songwriter José Antonio Rodríguez, who shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram account, asking for prayers for Zorrilla's recovery:
“My prayers and the prayers of an entire people are with you and your recovery, dear friend. We are all with you. You will come out stronger!”, wrote Rodríguez, without offering further details about the diagnosis or the artist's current condition.
Cheo Zorrilla, whose full name is Jesús Antonio Zorrilla, was born in Tamayo, Bahoruco province. At 13 years old, he was already part of his community's musical band as a trumpet player, marking the beginning of a prolific career that would lead him to become one of the most admired composers in the Dominican Republic.
Songs by Cheo Zorrilla
Among the works of the singer-songwriter Cheo Zorrilla, the best known are songs such as "Mi amado cirineo", “Apocalipsis”, “Al nacer cada enero” and “Los hombres de rabia lloran”, which have been performed by prominent national and international artists.
So far, no official medical reports have been offered, but the artistic community and the public have begun to express their support and affection for the veteran musician, recognizing his invaluable contribution to Dominican culture.