FILLY BROWN Film Crew, Co-Stars Release Statement on Jenni Rivera's Death

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Following the passing of Mexican-American singer/songwriter and actress Jenni Rivera, collaborators on her last film, FILLY BROWN, have released statements on her death.

“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague Jenni Rivera. She was a uniquely talented woman and an inspiration to millions, especially those of us who were lucky enough to work with her," the cast and crew of FILLY BROWN said. "Though she’ll be remembered as an iconic singer, she was also a powerful actress whose full range of talents the world was just beginning to discover. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her children and family.”

Co-star Edward James Olmos said, “The world lost an extraordinary talent in the realm of Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, and Frank Sinatra, who took their singing artistry and became dramatic artists in film and television. Jenni Rivera was destined to surpass any artist that we have ever seen coming from the Mexican American culture. She was just starting. My love to her family, especially her children and her mother and father.”

The film is set for a theatrical release in spring 2013.

Mexican-American singer/songwriter Jenni Rivera was killed in a plane crash in Monterrey, Mexico, yesterday, December 9, 2012. She was 43.

Rivera was traveling with two pilots and four other passengers and was headed to Toluca following a concert in Monterrey on December 8. The aircraft, a Learjet 25, went missing 62 miles from Monterrey after taking off at 3:15 a.m. local time.

According to Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, Mexico Secretary of Communications and Transport, scattered remains of an aircraft found near where the jet went missing show "all indications" of being the plane in question. There are no survivors.

Rivera had just accepted a deal to star in a multi-camera family comedy series for ABC from Broadway producer Robert L. Boyett and Robert Horn, who were both set to write the project.

The series follows a middle-class, single-mother (Rivera) who juggles raising a family - with a set of unique parenting skils - and running a small business, all while fighting back against the notion that a woman needs a man in order to do it all.

Boyett is best known for his sitcom endeavors on television, including STEP BY STEP, BOSOM BUDDIES, FULL HOUSE, and FAMILY MATTERS. He is also an eight-time Tony award winning Broadway producer, having brought such shows as War Horse, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and 13 to the stage.

Rivera is best known for her musical career, having sold over 20 million albums. In addition, mun2 had just ordered a third season for her reality show, I LOVE JENNI.