Mexican music icon Paquita la del Barrio, renowned for her powerful voice and passionate advocacy for women, passed away at the age of 77 at her home in Veracruz early Monday. The news of her death was shared on her official social media accounts and confirmed by her representatives. Veracruz, the state capital, will mourn the loss of the legendary singer, who had been struggling with various health issues in recent times.
A statement released confirmed her passing, saying, “With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz. She was a unique and irreplaceable artist who will leave an unforgettable legacy in the hearts of all of us who knew her and cherished her music.”
Born Francisca Viveros Barradas, Paquita la del Barrio won the hearts of audiences with her songs about heartbreak and betrayal, including iconic tracks like “Rata de dos patas” and “Tres veces te engañé.” While she was particularly beloved by women, her emotional and powerful performances also attracted a large male following at her concerts.
“At first, many men would say, ‘Why would I go, just to get embarrassed?’… But now, they come to the concerts. They bring their girlfriends, their wives, and they absolutely love it,” Paquita shared in a 2016 interview.
Paquita la del Barrio, a two-time Grammy and Latin Grammy nominee, earned widespread recognition throughout the music industry. In 2021, she was honored with the Billboard Latin Music Award for Lifetime Achievement, presented to her by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.
Her passing led to an outpouring of sorrow on social media. Both the Latin Grammys and Apple Music were among those who expressed their condolences publicly.
“RIP Paquita la del Barrio, the feminist icon from Mexico who sang what others were afraid to say,” Apple Music posted on social media platform X.
