Fat Joe Mourns the Passing of His Father: “He’s a Legend in My Eyes”

Fat Joe is mourning the loss of his father, Ernesto.

The Bronx-born rapper, 54, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram Wednesday, revealing that his father passed away at the age of 89.

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“Sad to announce the passing of my father ‘ERNESTO AKA CUBA.’ Papi, te quiero para siempre,” Fat Joe wrote in his tribute. “This has been tough. I’m not looking for sympathy, just honoring my dad—he’s a legend in my eyes.”

The post featured a series of family photos, capturing moments between the rapper and his father over the years. One image showed Fat Joe wrapping his arms around Ernesto, while another featured them standing beside a blue car. Other photos highlighted Ernesto’s presence with extended family, including Fat Joe’s wife, Lorena Cartagena, and their children.

Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, has always spoken openly about the importance of family. The rapper, who has been with Lorena since the 1990s has three children: Joey, Ryan, and Azariah. His eldest son, Joey, was born with Down syndrome and diagnosed with autism. Fat Joe has credited his own parents for helping him raise Joey after his biological mother left.