CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico – Despite its negative reputation, this border city has long had a devoted fan in Juan Gabriel, a beloved singer-songwriter whose emotional songs still resonate deeply with fans, even eight years following his passing.

Juan Gabriel, known for his vibrant persona and sequined mariachi outfits, challenged norms in Mexico. Once he famously responded to a reporter’s question about his sexuality by saying, “You don’t ask what you can see.” This week, a museum celebrating his life opens in his former residence, located just a few blocks from the U.S. border, across from El Paso, Texas.

If Taylor Swift represents the poetic side of English-speaking music fans, Juan Gabriel is similarly revered for Spanish-speaking audiences as the master of heartache and emotional expression.

His songs often reflect themes of unreciprocated love and the struggles of overcoming broken relationships. His extensive catalog, which includes 1,800 songs, has been covered by Latin pop stars such as Marc Anthony, Maná, and the late Vicente Fernández, as noted by Universal Music Publishing Group.

He penned touching tributes to Ciudad Juárez, an industrial town close to the U.S. that has been plagued by crime and hardship throughout its history.

This juxtaposition of love and struggle is part of what makes his connection to the city so compelling.

A challenging childhood in a border town

Juan Gabriel was born Alberto Aguilera Valadez in Michoacán, Mexico, in 1950. His early life was filled with challenges; his father was placed in a psychiatric institution, and his mother moved with her ten children to Ciudad Juárez, where she placed her youngest son in an orphanage.

Raised in poverty, he wrote his first song at age 13 and started performing on buses and in the bustling streets of downtown. His big break came in the 1970s with the hit “No Tengo Dinero,” a song about being broke but rich in love, yet he never forgot where he came from.

“He was truly a remarkable composer in the Spanish language,” said Felipe Rojas, the director of the Juan Gabriel Foundation, which manages the museum.

<p”He left an extraordinary impact on his records and received numerous awards,” Rojas continued. “In Ciudad Juárez, he has left a unique legacy. His music embodies the kindness of our people and serves as a source of pride for our city and for Mexico as a whole.”

Rojas mentioned that the idea for the museum originated from Juan Gabriel himself around 20 years ago. This week marks the opening of the museum coinciding with the eighth anniversary of his passing on August 28, 2016.

‘He was loved in return’

Visitors need to make reservations for the museum, where guides offer heartfelt tours of the palatial home. The experience starts with a film room showcasing a montage of Juan Gabriel’s concerts, evoking clapping, singing, and tears in the audience during the opening week.

“I have photos, autographs, and all his records,” shared Aurora Rodriguez, 64, donning a T-shirt that read, “From Ciudad Juárez to the World.” Her makeup smudged as she listened, moved to tears by the concert video.

<p”He was an absolutely amazing person, full of talent and love,” she expressed.

The museum guide, a former local journalist, also fought back tears as she guided the visitors into a basement room filled with some of Juan Gabriel’s iconic outfits and a throne created for him during his last tour when he was unwell.

As the tour progressed, Juan Gabriel’s voice could be heard resonating through the entrance hall, almost as if he were nearby, while flowers adorned the fireplace where his ashes are displayed.

The tour continues through a mint-green living room featuring a grand Steinway piano and a spiral staircase and past a dining area furnished with a table gifted to him by renowned Mexican actress María Félix. Every room is graced with sparkling crystal chandeliers. His bedroom remains untouched, boasting its lavish lavender decor.

One rainy Tuesday morning, 53-year-old Dabeiba Suárez arrived at the gates of the beloved singer’s former home, eager for an opportunity to explore inside.

All tickets for the first week were sold out. However, poor weather caused some ticket-holders to stay home, which gave Suárez a stroke of luck.

“Having him here in spirit brings me comfort, as though he is still among us,” Suárez remarked, her voice trembling with emotion. “I feel this way because he cherished Ciudad Juárez and its people, and we returned that love.”