Los Angeles, Jul 18: Veteran American singer Connie Francis, widely known for her hit “Pretty Little Baby,” has passed away at the age of 87. Her passing was confirmed by longtime friend and publicist Ron Roberts, who shared the news in a statement posted on Francis’s verified Facebook page, according to CNN.
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“It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night. I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news,” Roberts wrote.
Francis had recently been hospitalized due to chronic pain issues, leading her to cancel several public appearances earlier this month, as she had shared in posts on social media.
Despite her health challenges, Francis experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent months when her 1958 track “Pretty Little Baby” gained traction on TikTok. She later expressed gratitude in a video post to celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift for acknowledging her music and legacy.
Born Concetta Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, Francis first gained attention as a teenager after winning first prize on Arthur Godfrey’s popular TV show Startime Talent Scouts. Godfrey also suggested she adopt the stage name “Connie Francis,” believing it would be easier for audiences to remember.
Her early music career was marked by setbacks, with several rejections from record labels. Eventually, she signed with MGM in 1955, which released her debut single, “Freddy.” Though initially discouraged, Francis was persuaded by her father to stay in the music business and record the song “Who’s Sorry Now?”—a move that proved to be her breakthrough.
She went on to release numerous popular hits, including “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own,” and “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You,” cementing her status as one of America’s beloved pop icons.
Francis leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazer in pop music and an enduring influence on generations of artists and fans.
