Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Legendary Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio, known for her fierce and unapologetic songs about love, heartbreak, and gender dynamics, passed away in the early hours of February 17 at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest. The iconic artist, whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas, died at her home in Alto Lucero, Veracruz.
Her longtime manager, Francisco Torres, confirmed the news, saying, “She had many dreams, she had ailments, but she had many plans… she was surprised by a sudden heart attack while she was asleep.”
A Sudden Departure Before a Grand Return
The singer had been preparing for an upcoming performance at Mexico City’s National Auditorium on March 16 alongside La Sonora Santanera, a show she was excited about despite her health struggles. Torres noted that Paquita was always grateful for life and her audience. “She left in peace, calm. She left surrounded by love,” he said.
Her body will be laid to rest at a funeral home in Veracruz before being cremated. There were initial discussions about bringing her ashes to Casa Paquita in Colonia Guerrero, Mexico City, for a tribute, but the decision ultimately rests with her family.
A Voice for the Heartbroken
For decades, Paquita la del Barrio was the voice of those who had suffered betrayal and heartbreak. With lyrics full of venom for unfaithful and abusive men, she became a symbol of empowerment. Her songs like Rata de Dos Patas (Two-Legged Rat) and Tres Veces te Engañé (I Cheated on You Three Times) resonated deeply with audiences, especially women.
“There are people who bottle up their pain, who don’t talk about their suffering. That’s why my songs have been so well received,” she once said. However, she never limited her music’s message to women alone. “There are good men and women who are real pieces of work,” she quipped in a 2023 interview.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Born in 1947 in Veracruz, Paquita’s journey to fame was not immediate. She and her sister, Viola Viveros, began their career as the duo Las Golondrinas, performing in restaurants. When Viola left to pursue a solo career, Paquita was forced to put her dreams on hold. She worked in the food business, selling barbacoa and running a banquet service with her second husband, Alfonso Martínez. Eventually, she saved enough to open Casa Paquita, where she reignited her passion for music and launched her solo career in 1984.
Her breakthrough came in 1992 after her song Tres Veces te Engañé became a hit in Spain, elevating her status in Mexico and beyond. She went on to appear in telenovelas like María Mercedes (1992) and Velo de Novia (2003), as well as the beloved comedy show La Familia P. Luche.
A Political Detour and a Lasting Legacy
In 2021, Paquita attempted to enter politics, running for a local congressional seat in Veracruz under the Citizen Movement party. Despite her popularity, she did not win the election.
Her family life was marked by two marriages. With her first husband, Miguel Gerardo, she had two sons, Miguel and Javier. Her daughter, Martha Elena, whom she had with Martínez, was by her side at the time of her passing. She is survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Promoters and fellow musicians remembered Paquita not just for her fiery performances but for her professionalism and generosity. Event producer Juan Escalante praised her for always honoring her commitments. “She was always on time, always willing to promote her concerts. Not all artists do that,” he said. “Her place in music is unique. There is no replacement.”
Paquita la del Barrio’s legacy as a champion of the heartbroken, a fearless performer, and a cultural icon will live on. Her songs, which turned heartbreak into empowerment, remain anthems for generations to come.
As she often bid farewell to audiences, she now leaves the world with her signature phrase: “¡Adiós, inútiles!” (Goodbye, useless ones!).
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Legendary Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio, known for her fierce and unapologetic songs about love, heartbreak, and gender dynamics, passed away in the early hours of February 17 at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest. The iconic artist, whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas, died at her home in Alto Lucero, Veracruz.
