Legendary pop singer Connie Francis, best known for her 1961 hit “Pretty Little Baby,” passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that spanned nearly six decades in the music industry.
The news was confirmed by her longtime friend Ron Roberts, president of Concetta Records, through an emotional Facebook post. “It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night,” he wrote. The announcement was also shared on Francis’ official Facebook page.
While the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, Francis had recently revealed she was hospitalised in July due to severe pain and was undergoing medical tests. She was also recovering from hip treatment.
Connie Francis rose to fame in the late 1950s with her breakout hit “Who’s Sorry Now?” and made history as the first solo female artist to top the Billboard Hot 100. Her chart-topping singles include “My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own,” “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You,” and “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.”
Her influence extended far beyond her era, with her music finding renewed popularity among Gen Z audiences. In recent years, “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, introducing her timeless voice to a new generation.
Francis’s passing marks the end of an era, but her music and pioneering spirit continue to inspire artists and fans around the world.