Buddy's parents initially bought him a steel guitar, but he insisted that he wanted a guitar like his brother's.
Born Maria Elena Santiago in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she was no stranger to tragedy at the time of Buddy's death; her parents died when she was a young girl.

Maria was pregnant with his child when he learned of his death on … During his early childhood, Holley was influenced by the music of Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Snow, Bob Wills, and the Carter Family.

His widow Maria was in the early stages of pregnancy, but miscarried after hearing her husband had died. His parents bought the guitar from a pawnshop, and Travis taught him to play it. Updated January 19, 2019. Buddy left behind his wife Maria Elena, to whom he had been married less than a year. Maria Elena Santiago Holly claimed to have miscarried the child two months after Buddy's death. Buddy Holly had no children. Buddy Holly's widow, Maria Elena Holly, is still alive and well. Among the endeavors she has licensed is "Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story," which has earned awards and drew capacity audiences since its initial …