The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 24, 2025
Today: March 24, 2025

Mexican singer-songwriter Paquita la del Barrio dies at 77

Mexican singer-songwriter Paquita la del Barrio dies at 77
February 17, 2025

(CNN) — Famed Mexican singer-songwriter Paquita la del Barrio has died at the age of 77, her team announced Monday in a statement on Instagram.

“Rest in peace, your music and legacy will always live in our hearts,” the statement said, asking for space so that her family can “live their grief in privacy.”

CNN has contacted Paquita la del Barrio’s management agency.

The artist, whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas, was born in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz in 1947. Her best-known songs were known for lyrics that empowered women and mercilessly called out men in broken romantic relationships.

Some of her most famous hits include “Tres Veces te Engañé” (Three Times I Cheated on You) and “Rata de Dos Patas” (Two-Legged Rat), which take aim at male chauvinism.

From an early age, she showed a penchant for ranchera music, influenced by artists such as Antonio Aguilar and Pedro Infante. Throughout her career, Paquita stood out for performing songs that address themes of heartbreak and female empowerment, becoming an icon of Mexican music.

“Her live performances, based mainly on feminist songs with aggressive lyrics towards macho attitudes, seduced followers from all over the country,” her biography on Spotify reads.

Paquita received various recognitions for her contribution to Mexican music.

She was nominated for a Grammy award three times and honored in 2021 with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.

“Rata de dos patas” remains an anthem of heartbreak and female empowerment. Various artists have covered the song, consolidating her place in the history of Latin music.

The Mexican Ministry of Culture mourned the artist’s death, calling her an icon of ranchera music in a post on X.

“Her repertoire with more than 40 record productions that include rancheras, banda and norteñas, was distinguished by raising her voice against injustices towards women. Rest in peace,” the ministry’s statement read.

This is a developing story. More to come

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Related Articles

Sting and Shaggy offer a new reggae song as musical medicine for a fractured world Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva dies at 77 after battle with cancer Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder delight at Roberta Flack's 'Celebration of Life' memorial What does King Charles listen to? Kylie Minogue and RAYE, according to his Apple Music playlist
Share This

Popular

Arts|Celebrity|Crime|Entertainment|Europe

Gérard Depardieu's trial on sexual assault charges is starting in France

Gérard Depardieu's trial on sexual assault charges is starting in France
Arts|Celebrity|Entertainment|Political|US

Conan O'Brien accepts Mark Twain Prize for humor as politics roils the Kennedy Center

Conan O'Brien accepts Mark Twain Prize for humor as politics roils the Kennedy Center
Arts|Celebrity|Crime|Entertainment|Europe

Gerard Depardieu sexual assault trial marks a cultural reckoning for post-#MeToo France

Gerard Depardieu sexual assault trial marks a cultural reckoning for post-#MeToo France
Arts|Celebrity|Entertainment|Political|US

Conan O'Brien decries 'bullies' while receiving Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize

Conan O'Brien decries 'bullies' while receiving Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize

Entertainment

Celebrity|Entertainment|Lifestyle|Sports

Tiger Woods confirms his relationship with Vanessa Trump in a social media post

Tiger Woods confirms his relationship with Vanessa Trump in a social media post
Arts|Celebrity|Crime|Entertainment|Europe

Gerard Depardieu sexual assault trial marks a cultural reckoning for post-#MeToo France

Gerard Depardieu sexual assault trial marks a cultural reckoning for post-#MeToo France
Arts|Celebrity|Entertainment|Political|US

Conan O'Brien decries 'bullies' while receiving Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize

Conan O'Brien decries 'bullies' while receiving Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize
Arts|Business|Celebrity|Entertainment

‘Snow White’ box office more sleepy than happy

‘Snow White’ box office more sleepy than happy