B.E. Relations Publishing is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved client, the iconic Haitian singer, community health advocate, and registered nurse Anna Pierre, whose life’s work touched not only stages across the world but families and vulnerable communities who relied on her compassion and leadership. Her passing was confirmed this morning by her daughter.
Born in Haiti as the third child in a family of nine, Anna Pierre immigrated to the United States in 1981 and built a life in South Florida rooted in education, service, and creativity. She earned her High School Diploma and Practical Nursing certification from Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education Center before completing her Registered Nursing degree at Miami Dade Community College in 1987. Driven by an unshakeable commitment to growth, she went on to earn a Bachelor in Health Services Administration from Barry University and a Master in Public Health from Florida International University, along with specialized certifications throughout her career.
Even with her demanding work in healthcare, music was a gift she carried from childhood. In 1987, what began as a simple invitation to perform at the Joseph Caleb Center opened a door she had long closed due to societal expectations placed on women in Haiti. When producers dismissed her dreams, Anna turned rejection into fuel. She founded A.P. Productions, Inc., wrote her own music, assembled her own team, and independently released her debut album in 1989. That album included the unforgettable hit “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m,” a song that transformed her into an overnight sensation in the United States, Haiti, and parts of Europe. The song became so beloved it was translated into Spanish (“Echale Azucar a Mi Bonbon”) and English (“Put Sugar on My Bonbon”), making her one of the few Haitian artists to successfully cross linguistic borders in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Anna went on to release two additional albums, “Don’t Give Me Heartache / Pa Vin Rete Ke-m” in 1991, and “Pa Fe-m Sa Konsa” in 1995, gifting fans both heartfelt ballads and joyful, humorous compositions. She later returned to music with a Gospel album titled “Papa-m Se Wa / My Dad Is a King,” adopting the title Princess Anna Pierre as part of her renewed artistic journey.
Yet despite her success, Anna always viewed music as a vessel, not the destination. Nursing and public service remained at the center of her life. She used her platform to write health education articles, mentor families, and launch initiatives through APHEC International, Inc., bringing medical services to underserved communities in Haiti, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Her work saved countless lives by providing early access to care, preventive education, and community support systems.
To fund these humanitarian efforts, Anna sacrificed personal comfort, using her nursing income, proceeds from her music, and even manufacturing and selling backpacks to raise money for individuals who lacked access to healthcare. She also created a powerful annual tradition: a Father’s Day Concert honoring dedicated fathers and strengthening family bonds. It became one of the most meaningful cultural events in her community.
Above all, Anna was a devoted mother to her children Vicki, Wiljuna, and Jay. Despite the demands of her schedule, she made sure they were included in her world, teaching them through example what resilience, compassion, and purpose truly look like.
Anna Pierre embodied the words of Ashley Rice: “There are women who make things better simply by showing up… There are women who change the world every day.”
Anna was one of those women. Through her music, her nursing career, her advocacy, and her unwavering belief that women must invest in themselves, she changed the world for the better. Her legacy is one of courage, generosity, and boundless love for her people.
B.E. Relations Publishing extends our deepest condolences to her children, family, friends, and the millions of fans whose lives she touched. We are honored to have represented such a remarkable woman, and we will continue to celebrate her life, her music, and her mission.
May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
