Los Angeles, CA - Singer-songwriter Katy Perry is grappling with the loss of her dear friend and celebrity hairstylist, Jesus Guerrero, who passed away suddenly at the age of 34. His unexpected death has not only left Perry heartbroken but has also sparked widespread mourning within the beauty and entertainment communities.
Guerrero’s sister, Gris Guerrero, announced his death last Saturday, February 22, describing his passing as 'very sudden and unexpected.' The news has shocked loved ones and fans alike, as the stylist was known for his warm persona and exceptional talent. Throughout his career, Guerrero styled the likes of Kylie Jenner, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Lopez, becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after hairstylists.
Katy Perry shared her grief on Instagram, posting an emotional tribute accompanied by several photos and videos of the two together. "Hey Hey aka Chuy aka Jesus, our light-filled beautiful boy," she wrote. "You always made every room so warm and welcome. There was no problem too big to solve and one of your many talents was effortlessly reminding women around the world of our Goddess nature with even just a simple blowout."
She reflected on the joy Guerrero brought to others, recalling how he felt like 'an old friend who would tell you the truth and hold you if you needed an extra cuddle.' Perry expressed her certainty of Guerrero’s peaceful existence now, stating, "I know you are okay because you are now in the light you shined so brightly back here on earth. It’s just us left with a dimmer world without you."
To encapsulate her emotions, Perry shared a poignant quote: "Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All the unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in the hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go." She urged everyone to channel their grief by giving love to others, reminding her followers of life’s fragility and the importance of expressing love without reservation.
Guerrero had recently returned to the U.S. following commitments abroad, experiencing health issues during his time working with Jennifer Lopez for her Saadiyat Nights concerts. According to Gris Guerrero, he was visibly unwell upon his return, prompting family and colleagues to urge him to seek medical attention. Sadly, after consulting with doctors, Guerrero passed away shortly after.
"Everyone on his team did everything they could to get him to the doctors because he was not well," shared Gris, noting the immense worry surrounding Guerrero’s condition. Despite reporting his illness and seeking treatment, his demise was unexpected, leading his family to seek answers.
"We don’t know what got him sick or what the sickness was. It all happened suddenly and no one knows why," Gris lamented. The family is now grappling with the tragic loss, having opened up about their pain and uncertainty since Guerrero’s passing. "We have fallen to tears repeatedly reminiscing and wondering what we could have done to keep him here with us," they shared.
Alongside Perry, many celebrities have publicly mourned Guerrero’s loss, with Kylie Jenner expressing her heartbreak. Jenner, who had developed a close relationship with Guerrero, broke her silence on social media by calling him 'a light in my life, a source of laughter, comfort, love, and unwavering support.' She added, "The pain of losing you is just unbearable and I don’t know how to move forward without you but I know great grief is born only of great love. And I loved you so much."
Many have rallied to support Guerrero’s family, including fundraising efforts through GoFundMe, which raised over $90,000 to cover funeral costs and logistics surrounding his passing. Following Kylie Jenner’s generous offer to pay for funeral expenses, the family expressed deep gratitude for her support, emphasizing Guerrero's importance to her family.
Jennifer Lopez, Guerrero's final client, reflected on the stylist’s unmatched kindness and passion for his craft. "It seems senseless and unfair. I know your family is brokenhearted as am I and everyone else who knew you. Your spirit moved on to the next phase beyond this life but I know wherever you are there is beauty and light," she wrote.
The aerospace community remains tight-knit, and Perry has played her part by encouraging everyone to honor Guerrero's memory through acts of love. She humorously concluded her tribute with, "Jesus, you effervescent soul, you had the magic touch, and you’re surely up there giving everyone the best hair life possible!"
Guerrero’s talent flourished through friendships, representing the best of the beauty industry. His legacy continues to be remembered fondly among clients who valued his artistry, passion, and kindness. With grieving hearts, they seek solace and connection amid the complex emotions surrounding his unexpected departure.
While unanswered questions remain about Guerrero’s sudden illness, family, friends, and the many who loved him hope to preserve his spirit through memories, bridging love and grief as they navigate life without him.