Mexican musical legend Paquita la del Barrio dies aged 77

Paquita la del Barrio performs at the Latin Grammy Awards in 2013 (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Mexican musical legend Paquita la del Barrio, known for her powerful voice and fierce defence of women, died at her home in Veracruz on Monday at the age of 77.

Her death was announced on her official social media accounts and confirmed by her representatives to The Associated Press.