How many children did Paquita la del Barrio have? What we know as Grammy-nominated Mexican singer dies at 77

Francisca Viveros Barradas, better known as Paquita la del Barrio, has passed away. Paquita’s team announced the news of her passing through her official Instagram handle, but a cause of death was not disclosed.

Paquita la del Barrio was a mother of five. She had two sons, Iván Miguel and Javier, with her first husband, Miguel Gerardo. Following their divorce, Paquita married Alfonso Martínez, and together, they had three children – Newborn twins and Martha Elena. Paquita’s twins tragically passed away three days after their birth, while she adopted Martha, her niece, in 1979.

Paquita was born in Alto Lucero, Veracruz, in 1947 and faced financial difficulties during the earlier years of her life. Due to her financial condition, Paquita started working early in her life. She was employed at the Civil Registry, where Barradas met her first husband, Miguel Gerardo. Paquita la del Barrio was 15, while Miguel Gerardo was 44 when they eloped.

When she was pregnant with their first child, Paquita found out about Miguel’s other marriage and family. Ultimately, their relationship ended in divorce, while Paquita la del Barrio had already begun her music career after shifting to Mexico City in 1970. She later married Alfonso Martínez in the mid-1970s. Their relationship lasted until Alfonso died in 2000.

The Grammy-nominated artist was known for her iconic Rata de dos patas track. The composer, Manuel Eduardo Toscano, wrote the song that reportedly drew inspiration from Paquita la del Barrio’s unfaithful former husband. Rata de dos patas, alongside Paquita’s Tres Veces Te Engañé, Las mujeres mandan, Viejo rabo verde, and many more made her a feminist icon.

---

The feminist icon and Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio was 77 at the time of her passing

Paquita, who was born in April 1947, was about to turn 78 later this year. However, her team announced the tragic news of her passing on Monday, February 17, 2025. In the official statement released by Paquita’s team, they wrote (translated from Spanish):

“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.”

The statement continues,

“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."

Although her team did not reveal any cause of death, Paquita’s health was reportedly on the decline in the past few months. A couple of years back, the Mexican singer was hospitalized for pulmonary thrombosis. The medical condition limited her mobility and was seemingly the reason behind her retirement in 2023 after a five-decade-long career.