Connie Francis, Iconic Pop Vocalist, Dies at 87

Music legend Connie Francis has passed away at the age of 87, according to an announcement made by her longtime friend Ron Roberts. Her death occurred just weeks after she was hospitalized in Florida for undisclosed health issues.

Roberts shared the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post on Thursday evening: “It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night. I know she would have wanted her devoted fans to be among the first to hear. More information will be released soon.”

Francis’ passing comes not long after a surprising resurgence in popularity—her 1962 hit Pretty Little Baby became a viral sensation on TikTok, marking her return to the charts for the first time in over six decades.

Fans around the world took to social media to express their grief and celebrate her legacy. One tribute on X (formerly Twitter) read: “So sad to hear of Connie Francis’ passing. Paying tribute with her unforgettable songs—Lipstick on Your Collar, Where The Boys Are, Stupid Cupid, and more. A phenomenal career and timeless voice.”

Another fan wrote, “Rest in peace to the legendary Connie Francis. From Pretty Little Baby going viral to decades of classic hits—what an extraordinary legacy.”

Tributes poured in recalling her contributions to music and the personal memories her songs evoked. One user wrote, “This one hurts. She was my mom’s favorite singer, and her records were the soundtrack to our childhood. RIP, Connie.”

Francis had recently been admitted to a Florida hospital, reportedly due to “intense pain” and was transferred to intensive care. While her exact condition was not disclosed, sources suggested ongoing orthopedic issues that had forced her to use a wheelchair and cancel scheduled appearances, including one on Cousin Brucie’s radio show for Independence Day.

In a note posted on Facebook at the time, Francis explained her absence, saying, “I was hoping to be part of Brucie’s Independence Day show, but I had to cancel again due to hip treatment. Thank you for the kind messages. I’ll keep you updated. Love, Connie.”

A few days later, she reported she had been moved from ICU to a private room after undergoing tests, and thanked her fans for their continued support.

Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in 1937 into a large Italian-American family, Connie’s musical journey began at a young age with the encouragement of her relatives. She changed her name to Connie Francis while auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and appeared on NBC’s Startime Kids during her teenage years.

Although she experienced only modest success early on, everything changed in 1958 when she released her version of Who’s Sorry Now, a 1920s standard. The track became a smash hit, selling over a million copies and catapulting her to stardom.

The 1960s were a golden era for Francis, who recorded numerous chart-topping hits across pop and country genres. However, her career was derailed in 1974 after she was sexually assaulted in a Jericho, New York hotel room. The traumatic event led her into a long period of isolation and legal battles, culminating in a $2.5 million settlement that helped change hotel security policies nationwide.

She later recounted her ordeal and career in the 1984 memoir Who’s Sorry Now, which became a New York Times bestseller. She released a follow-up autobiography, Among My Souvenirs, and resumed her music career in 1989 before retiring in 2018.

Francis also shared a close connection with fellow singer Bobby Darin, a relationship she explored in detail in her writing. His memory lived on in her heart until the end.

In a stunning turn of events, 2025 brought renewed attention to her work when Pretty Little Baby found new life through viral TikTok videos. Reflecting on the revival, Francis told People magazine in March, “To be honest, I didn’t even remember recording it! But to see it connecting with millions today is just incredible.”

She was especially touched by the involvement of celebrities like Kim Kardashian’s daughter North and Kylie Jenner, saying, “It’s such an honor. Knowing that younger generations are discovering my music is truly breathtaking.”

As the world remembers Connie Francis, her voice remains immortal—etched into the hearts of fans new and old.