Singer Connie Francis Dies at 87

Singer Connie Francis has dies at age 87, leaving behind a legacy that spans classic hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Pretty Little Baby.” Her passing was confirmed on July 16, 2025, and fans around the world are mourning the loss of a beloved music icon.

🕊 Who Was Connie Francis?

Connie Francis – born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey – rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most famous female singers of the 1950s and 1960s.

• She began singing at age 4 in local contests and later appeared on TV’s Startime Kids.
• In 1955, she signed with MGM Records, and though her early singles didn’t succeed, she kept trying

Her big break came with “Who’s Sorry Now?” in 1958, which catapulted her to fame .

🎤 Major Hits and Music Milestones

Connie Francis, “Who’s Sorry Now?” Singer

• “Who’s Sorry Now?” topped the UK charts for six weeks and reached #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
• It marked her transformation from struggling artist to international star.

Singer Connie Francis & “Pretty Little Baby”

• In 1962, Francis released “Pretty Little Baby,” which became a viral hit 63 years later, thanks to TikTok. Its resurgence led to over 74.8 million Spotify streams and it reached top chart positions in both the US and UK.
• She later said, “I didn’t even remember the song,” adding that she was “thrilled and overwhelmed” by its modern success.

Other Big Hits

• “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” (1960), the first solo female No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100.
• “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” and “Where the Boys Are.”.

📅 What Happened Before Singer Connie Francis Dies at 87 Her Death?

1. On July 2, 2025, singer Connie Francis was hospitalized in Florida with “extreme pelvic pain” and even sat in a wheelchair.
2. She missed a scheduled July 4 show. But on that day, she posted that she was “feeling much better” and thanked fans for their support.
3. Her friend, Ron Roberts, announced on July 16 that Connie Francis died last night, a short time after her health worsened again.

No full medical cause of death has been shared, but it followed a brief illness coupled with intense pain.

💔 Personal Challenges and Advocacy

Though Connie Francis shined on stage, she faced deep personal struggles:

• She was raped in 1974 and later spoke up for other rape survivors.
• After nasal surgery in 1977, she temporarily lost her voice.
• In 1981, her brother was murdered by the mob.
• She endured mental health challenges, including misdiagnoses and PTSD. She was committed multiple times and survived a suicide attempt in 1984 .

She turned adversity into advocacy: working on violent crime prevention under Reagan’s administration and supporting Mental Health America.

🎬 Singer Connie Francis Beyond Music

• She acted in films like Rock, Rock, Rock!, Jamboree, and Where the Boys Are
• Appeared briefly on Broadway as herself in Just In Time in 2025
• Published memoirs Who’s Sorry Now? (1984) and Among My Souvenirs (2017), detailing her struggles and recovery

🌍 Connie Francis Dead – What Fans and the Industry Are Saying

• Tributes are pouring in from all over: “RIP Connie…amazingly talented and lovely lady.”
• The music and entertainment world honors her career and fearless advocacy .

🔍 Why Connie Francis Still Matters Today

1. Historical Influence – First female solo No. 1 artist in Billboard Hot 100 history.
2. Timeless Music – Hits still played on oldies radio and new platforms like Spotify.
3. Viral Comeback – Showed how older songs can find fresh audiences through TikTok and streaming.
4. Advocacy Legacy – Courageously spoke about mental health and victims’ rights.

👪 Her Family and Survivors

Connie Francis is survived by her son, Joseph Garzilli Jr., whom she and her third husband adopted in 1974 . She also leaves behind countless fans worldwide who continue to share her music.

✅ Summary – Remembering Singer Connie Francis

• Connie Francis, dead at 87, passed away July 16, 2025, days after hospitalization.
• Best known for songs like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Pretty Little Baby.”
• Experienced a vibrant TikTok resurgence with “Pretty Little Baby.”
• Overcame major personal traumas and used her platform for good.
• Left a rich legacy in music, film, and advocacy.

Her story shows that music can span generations and time. Though she is gone, Connie Francis leaves behind timeless melodies and a message of resilience and hope.