Spanish singer/actress Rocio Durcal dies

MADRID, March 26 (UPI) -- Spanish singer/actress Rocio Durcal, who sold some 40 million albums worldwide, has died in Madrid at 61.

Durcal died Saturday after a five-year battle with cancer, Basque Radio and Television EITB reported on its Web site.

Although she was Spanish, Durcal was dubbed "the Most Mexican Spaniard" for singing in the country's popular style of ranchera folk music.

In addition to her solo albums, she recorded with Julio Iglesias and Ricky Martin, among other top Latin stars, EITB said.

She was also a star on Spain's big screen, with film credits including "Song of Youth" and "The Most Beautiful."

Upon learning she had cancer, Durcal told the Spanish Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers she was not afraid of dying.

"I think I'm made of different stuff," Durcal said. "One thing you can say is that I'm not frightened of anything."