Francisca Viveros Barradas known professionally as Paquita la del Barrio, the iconic Mexican singer loved by many for her fiery feminist anthems, passed away on Monday February 17, at her home in Veracruz. She was 77 years old.
Her official social media accounts confirmed the news but did not disclose the cause of death.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio,'” the statement read in Spanish. “A unique and irreplaceable artist who will forever remain in our hearts through her music.”
A Trailblazer in Ranchera Music
Paquita shattered barriers in the male-dominated ranchera genre, delivering bold and unfiltered lyrics that resonated with women across generations. Songs like Rata de Dos Patas, Me Saludas a la Tuya, and Tres Veces Te Engañé became anthems of female empowerment, openly calling out male infidelity and toxic masculinity.
In a 1999 article, The New York Times described her as “something of a patron saint” in Mexico City, where her songs found a devoted audience. But Paquita was not known only in Mexico but throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Outpouring of Tributes
News of her passing sparked an emotional response from both fans and fellow artists.
Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz paid tribute, calling her music “a timeless expression of raw emotion, turning life’s pain into unforgettable songs.”
Thalía, who once shared the screen with Paquita in Maria Mercedes (1992), remembered her as a pioneer for women in music.
“Paquita paved the way for countless women to sing their truths without fear. Her confidence and authenticity gave us all permission to do the same,” Thalía shared on Instagram.
Life, Love, and Heartache
Born Francisca Viveros Barradas on April 2, 1947, in Veracruz, Paquita’s tumultuous personal life deeply influenced her music.
As a teenager, she married a man nearly 30 years her senior, unaware that he already had another family. Their marriage ended in heartbreak after seven years, but the experience fueled her raw, emotional songwriting.
She later married Alfonso Martínez, with whom she had three children. They remained together for 31 years until his passing in 2000.
A Legacy That Lives On
Paquita’s fearless lyrics often painted men as “two-legged rats” and heartbreak as an inevitable struggle. Yet, despite her sharp critiques, even male fans adored her music.
“They come to my concerts with their wives and girlfriends, and they love it,” she once said in a 2016 interview.
Her career took off after a breakthrough performance on Televisa, leading to a deal with CBS Records. Over the years, she released more than 30 albums and earned three Grammy nominations. In 2021, she received a lifetime achievement award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, presented by Bad Bunny, celebrating her lasting impact on Latin music.
At just fifteen years old, she ran away with 44-year-old Miguel Gerardo. Their marriage lasted seven years, during which they had two sons: Iván Miguel, born in 1968, and Javier, born in 1969. However, the relationship came to an abrupt end when she discovered that Gerardo was already married and had a separate family.
Her second marriage lasted 31 years, ending in 2001 with her husband’s passing. Together, they experienced both joy and heartbreak—welcoming twins on December 26, 1977, only to lose them three days later on December 29. In 1979, they adopted Martha Elena, who was actually Paquita’s niece, expanding their family in a meaningful way.
Paquita had been set to perform at Mexico City’s National Auditorium in January but had to cancel due to health issues. Her absence left a void in the music world, but her legacy endures through her music.
