The Philippine entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic and influential figures. Lolit Solis, the veteran columnist, television host, and talent manager affectionately known as “Manay Lolit,” passed away at the age of 78. Her death was confirmed by her daughter on the morning of July 4, 2025, after she suffered a fatal heart attack while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Metro Manila.

Known for her sharp wit, candid opinions, and deep knowledge of the entertainment world, Lolit Solis built a career that spanned more than five decades. Her unmistakable presence in Philippine showbiz reporting earned her both admiration and controversy over the years. Despite health issues that had plagued her in recent years, Solis remained vocal, active online, and devoted to her work until shortly before her passing.

Born on May 20, 1947, in Sampaloc, Manila, Lolit Solis rose from humble beginnings. She studied at the University of Santo Tomas and began her journalism career as a showbiz reporter in the 1970s. What set her apart was her fearless commentary, her ability to uncover exclusive stories, and her unfiltered style that audiences either loved or loathed—but never ignored. Over time, she became one of the most recognizable voices in Philippine entertainment news.

Aside from her work in print media, Solis made a name for herself as a host of entertainment TV shows. She became a household name through the long-running showbiz talk show “Startalk,” where she delivered both praise and critique with her signature flair. She also hosted radio shows and continued writing newspaper columns for many years, often sharing personal anecdotes, celebrity updates, and reflections on life.

Her influence in the entertainment industry extended far beyond the written word. As a talent manager, she guided the careers of numerous celebrities, often acting as a mentor, second mother, and staunch defender. Her loyalty to her talents was unwavering, and many of them expressed profound grief upon hearing of her passing. Known to be fiercely protective of her clients, she often clashed with other managers and media personalities—but always did so with conviction and purpose.

In recent years, Solis had been battling various health conditions. She openly discussed her experiences undergoing dialysis treatments and experiencing memory lapses. Her honesty about aging, illness, and vulnerability earned her a new wave of admiration from fans who had followed her for years. She posted regularly on social media, often expressing gratitude for life despite the challenges she faced. In one of her last public messages, she spoke about acceptance and finding peace in whatever was to come.

Tributes from across the entertainment and media worlds have poured in, with many remembering her as a pioneer who paved the way for showbiz journalists to be seen as influential voices in public discourse. Actors, producers, and fellow reporters have described her as a woman of unmatched energy, courage, and heart. While controversies were never far from her name, no one could deny her impact on Philippine media.

Her career was not without scandal. One of the most remembered was her involvement in the 1994 Manila Film Festival cheating incident, which shook the industry. Solis faced severe backlash, legal trouble, and public humiliation. Yet even after the scandal, she found a way to rebuild her career. She acknowledged her mistakes in later interviews and used the experience as a turning point in her life, becoming more introspective while remaining unapologetically herself.

Despite the criticisms she encountered, Lolit Solis remained an enduring figure. Her unapologetic views and dramatic flair became her trademarks. In a world where public figures often hid behind polished images, Solis was unfiltered, raw, and real. This authenticity drew people to her, even if they didn’t always agree with what she said. Her writing often mixed gossip with insight, levity with truth, and always carried her unmistakable voice.

In her later years, Solis often wrote about her mortality. She seemed at peace with the idea that her time would come. She expressed a desire for a quiet, dignified farewell and hoped to be remembered not just for the stories she told, but for the passion she brought to her work. Her final months were marked by a slowing down of her public appearances, but she remained active online, continuing to comment on showbiz happenings and to interact with fans.

She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be easily forgotten. From her early days in Sampaloc to her rise as one of the most influential voices in entertainment journalism, Solis showed that grit, intelligence, and passion could carry someone far—even in the face of adversity. Her story is not only one of showbiz, but of resilience, reinvention, and honesty.

Lolit Solis is survived by her children and grandchildren, as well as an entire industry she helped shape. Plans for her memorial service are currently being finalized, and it is expected that many celebrities and media personalities will gather to pay tribute to the woman who once held the pulse of showbiz in her hands.

As fans light candles, post messages, and recall her most iconic moments, one thing is clear: the Philippine entertainment world will never be the same without Manay Lolit. She was bold, brilliant, and unforgettable—a woman who lived life on her terms and left a legacy few can match.