'Manay' Lolit Solis, Philippine showbiz columnist, talent manager dies at 78

Manila: Veteran entertainment columnist and talent manager Lolit Solis has passed away at the age of 78.

Her family confirmed the news through an official statement:

“Our beloved Manay Lolit Solis has peacefully joined her Creator last July 3, 2025. Manay Lolit leaves behind a loving family and many friends who will always cherish her memory. We remember Manay Lolit as a feisty and staunch loyal supporter, manager and friend. We love you our dearest Manay, you will forever be in our hearts. Rest well now in the loving embrace of our Lord.”

According to The Philippine Star, Solis had been battling an acute kidney infection since 2023 and was undergoing regular dialysis at the FEU-NRMF Medical Center in Novaliches, Quezon City since 2022.

She faced a major health scare early in 2023, revealing that she suffered a “mild stroke” following one of her dialysis sessions.

Tributes poured in from the who's who of showbiz in the Philippines.

Actress and Congresswoman Lani Mercado Revilla wrote: For Bong Revilla (her husband and former Senator), Nanay Lolit was more than a manager—she was a maternal figure. His farewell post was filled with pain and gratitude. “Para akong nawalan ulit ng nanay,” he said, echoing the sentiment of so many she had guided and cared for like her own children. You were my adviser, my ninang, my confidant.”

"Nanay" is Filipino term for "mother", while "Manay" is local term for elder sister.

Departure from social media

Despite her condition, Solis continued to update fans on her health journey through Instagram. 

However, earlier this year, she announced her departure from social media, hinting at a full retirement from writing.

In her farewell post, Solis admitted she was feeling mentally drained and wanted to fully embrace her “semi-retired status” — without the pressure of constantly being in the public eye.

She expressed a growing sense of emotional fatigue and disconnection from current events, saying it was time to take a step back and simply enjoy life.

In a 2022 interview with PEP.ph, Solis spoke candidly about her prayers for a peaceful death:

“If my time really comes, that’s all I ask. Either I don’t wake up anymore, or just let it happen with no pain… God has been so good to me. So really, that’s what I want— just something painless.”

Lolit Solis began her career as a police-beat reporter in the 1970s, eventually shifting to showbiz journalism with The Philippine Star and Pilipino STAR Ngayon.

Sharp tongued, but beloved

She later rose to national fame as a sharp-tongued but beloved TV talk show host, co-hosting the long-running Startalk from 1995 to 2015, and earning accolades like Best Female Showbiz Talk Show Host.

She also graced other entertainment talk shows, including Tweetbiz Insiders (2009–2011) and CelebriTV (2015–2016).

Known for her frank commentary, colourful language, and unapologetic takes on showbiz controversies, “Manay Lolit” leaves behind a legacy that shaped Philippine entertainment journalism for generations.