Mexican singer/actor Gerardo Reyes has lost his battle with liver cancer at the age of 79.

The highly regarded Ranchera singer passed away on Wednesday morning (25Feb15) in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

His son, also named Gerardo, confirmed the sad news to local newspaper El Universal, revealing his father was admitted to a hospital in the city he called home for 45 years over the weekend (ends22Feb15), and passed away there.

Reyes, also known as El Hijo del Pueblo, starred in over 80 films, including Sin Fortuna, Libro Abierto, Cargando con mi Cruz, and Jacinto El Tullido.

In his later years he toured as a musician "for fun", according to his son. His last album, released in 2011, was a tribute to beloved Mexican singer/actor Pedro Infante.