Paquita la del Barrio Passes Away at 77: A Legend of Mexican Music
The iconic Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio has passed away at the age of 77. Known for her defiant, empowering songs that resonated with women and targeted machismo, Paquita’s death was confirmed on February 17, 2025, by her representatives via an emotional post on her official Instagram account. She passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Veracruz, Mexico, after battling various health issues in recent years, including sciatica and an ulcer.
Fans and admirers of Paquita la del Barrio were left heartbroken, as the singer’s health had been declining for some time. In January, she had to cancel a scheduled concert in Mexico City, citing weakness in her legs due to sciatica. Reports later revealed that she had been struggling with sciatica pain, as well as an ulcer, and had been eating poorly and experiencing sleep disturbances.
Paquita’s life was marked by remarkable resilience and heartbreak. Born Francisca Viveros Barradas on April 2, 1947, in Alto Lucero, Veracruz, she came from humble beginnings. She worked various jobs, including selling bread and coffee, before pursuing her dream of singing. Despite the challenges, including surviving a violent first marriage and personal loss, she became a symbol of strength and defiance, famously known as “The Queen of the People.”
Her career took off in the 1990s, and her empowering anthems like Rata de dos patas and Cheque en blanco earned her a legendary status in Mexican regional music. Over the years, she recorded over forty albums and dabbled in acting, with notable roles in telenovelas and a biographical series in 2017.
Paquita’s death marks the end of an era, but her indelible legacy will forever live on through her music, which touched the hearts of millions. Fans, celebrities, and fellow musicians have all shared their tributes to the beloved singer who will forever be remembered as a trailblazer for women in music.
Her final performance was in 2022, marking the end of her career on the palenques, but Paquita’s spirit and influence continue to inspire new generations of fans and artists. May she rest in peace, knowing that her powerful voice and messages of empowerment will never be forgotten.
