The world of music and entertainment is grieving the passing of Paquita la del Barrio, the eternal "Warrior of Bolero," who died at the age of 77, according to a statement from her team. The beloved Mexican singer had been battling health issues for years.
The news was shared on the artist's official Instagram account with the following message:
"WITH DEEP PAIN AND SADNESS, WE CONFIRM THE PASSING OF OUR BELOVED "PAQUITA LA DEL BARRIO" AT HER HOME IN VERACRUZ. SHE WAS A UNIQUE AND IRREPLACEABLE ARTIST WHO LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE WHO KNEW HER AND ENJOYED HER MUSIC.
IN THIS MOMENT OF GREAT SORROW, WE RESPECTFULLY ASK THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC TO GIVE HER FAMILY SPACE AND UNDERSTANDING AS THEY MOURN IN PRIVACY AND PEACE.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AND RESPECT DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE. HER MUSIC AND LEGACY WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER."
A Life of Resilience
Born Francisca Viveros Barradas on April 2, 1947, in Alto Lucero, Veracruz, Paquita la del Barrio carved out a path that took her voice and message across the world.
From a young age, she showed a natural talent for music, which led her to become one of the most influential figures in ranchera and Mexican popular music.
Throughout her career, Paquita was known for her deeply emotional performances and lyrics that called out social injustices and machismo. Songs like 'Rata de Dos Patas' and 'Tres Veces te Engañé' became anthems for women across Latin America.
Early Struggles and Personal Challenges
At 15, Paquita started working at the Civil Registry in her hometown, where she met her first husband, Miguel Gerardo Martínez—18 years her senior. Upon discovering that he was already married with another family, she left him and moved to Mexico City in 1979, determined to pursue a career in music.
In the Mexican capital, she formed the duo Las Golondrinas with her sister Viola, performing in venues like La Fogata Norteña. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Paquita la del Barrio. Her big break came in 1986, when a televised performance on Televisa introduced her to a nationwide audience, leading to a recording contract with CBS Records.
@djalfredperdigon A QUIEN LE DIDICAMOS ESTA CANCIÓN? | RATA DE DOS PATAS | PAQUITA LA DEL BARRIO #despechopopular #ratadedospatas #paquitaladelbarrio #musica #desamores #fypシ
♬ sonido original - DJ Alfred Perdigon
A Defiant Voice and Musical Legacy
Paquita made a name for herself with her bold, no-nonsense style, using her music to challenge traditional gender roles. Her signature catchphrase, "¿Me estás oyendo, inútil?" ("Are you listening, you good-for-nothing?") became iconic.
Over her decades-long career, she released more than 30 albums and received numerous accolades, including the Premio Lo Nuestro for Lifetime Achievement in 2016 and the Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
She collaborated with artists like Ricardo Arjona on Ni Tú Ni Yo and lent her voice to charitable efforts, including the Spanish-language version of We Are The World to support Haiti earthquake victims in 2010.
Paquita la del Barrio's music and fearless voice will continue to resonate, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and authenticity.
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