Just four months before the second anniversary of Paquita la del Barrio’s death, tragedy has struck her family once again. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Martha Elena Martínez Viveros passed away at the age of 47, the singer’s adopted daughter. The news has caused a deep stir in the entertainment world and among the beloved artist’s fans.
The confirmation of her passing came through Paquita la del Barrio’s official account. “Today, mother and daughter are reunited in heaven,” reads a memorial note full of memories and respect. “There are goodbyes that hurt deeply and words that will never be enough to express the emptiness left by the loss of a loved one. With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Martha Elena Martínez Viveros, daughter of our dear Paquita la del Barrio,” it continues.
© Getty ImagesAccording to local reports, Paquito, the singer’s former manager, shared details of what happened: “She was fine, and from one moment to the next she was gone, at such a young age,” he said, explaining that it was due to cardiac arrest, something shocking, as he was not aware of any health issues. In recent days, Martha had traveled to Peru with her granddaughters, where she enjoyed a wonderful family trip. Martha Elena was found dead in Veracruz, where the local government of Alto Lucero posted a tribute in her honor, offering condolences to the Martínez Viveros family and recognizing the profound mark that the singer and her daughter left on the community.
Martha Elena was born in 1979 in Alto Lucero. She was the biological daughter of one of Paquita’s brothers, but the singer decided to adopt her when she was just five months old, after seeing her sick and neglected. Together with her then-husband, Alfonso Martínez, she registered her as their daughter, giving her a home and a last name that would accompany her all her life. From that moment on, Martha Elena was considered an integral part of the family, even though her biological origins were always known.
Martha Elena’s life and the family conflict
Martha Elena stayed away from the spotlight and chose a low-profile life. She lived in Xalapa, Veracruz, dedicating herself to her family as a mom to three children: Aldo, Martha Gabriela, and María del Carmen. While she didn’t follow in Paquita’s artistic footsteps, she was always emotionally connected to the singer and witnessed the building of her musical and personal legacy.
However, after the death of the iconic Mexican singer in February 2025, tensions within the family escalated. Martha Elena publicly spoke about conflicts with her siblings, especially with Miguel, who reportedly questioned her place in the family by referring to her as a “half-sister.” These differences became more visible in interviews and public statements, where she stated that she had better communication with her brother Javier.
The issue of Paquita’s will also sparked controversy. Earlier this year, Martha Elena told several media outlets that her mom had included her in the will: “Of course she said I was protected, and of course I have things from her.” At the time, she explained: “She called me and said: ‘Mija, give me your number and address because I’m going to leave the royalties to my three children. All of that is something that, when I’m gone, will be left to you.’”
Months later, and in the midst of these disputes, the family reportedly put Casa Paquita up for sale, the famous restaurant founded by the singer, which was not only the heart of her career but also a go-to meeting spot for celebrities, politicians, and prominent figures from Mexican culture at the time.
