Connie Francis, the legendary singer and actress who became the voice of 1950s and ’60s American pop with hits like Who’s Sorry Now and Pretty Little Baby, has died at the age of 87.
Her death was confirmed on Thursday by publicist and close friend Ron Roberts, who announced the news on her official Facebook page. “It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night,” Roberts wrote.
Born Concetta Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, Francis rose from humble beginnings to chart-topping stardom. After winning Startime Talent Scouts, a popular television show hosted by Arthur Godfrey, she changed her name on his advice to Connie Francis—ushering in a new era of her career.
Despite early rejections from record labels, her breakthrough came with a song her father encouraged her to re-record—Who’s Sorry Now. The track launched her to fame and was followed by a string of classics: Lipstick on Your Collar, My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own, and Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You.
In the 1960s, Francis also found success in Hollywood with films like Where the Boys Are, Looking for Love, and Follow the Boys. Though popular, she once quipped: “I asked the studio why they couldn’t come up with a title without the word ‘boys’ in it!”
While her career flourished, Francis’ personal life was marred by hardship. In 1974, she survived a violent assault that left lasting trauma. Her brother, George Franconero, was murdered in 1981, and she temporarily lost her voice following failed nasal surgery. She was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and chronicled her journey in her 1984 autobiography, Who’s Sorry Now.
Yet even in her final months, Connie Francis saw a new wave of admiration. Her 1962 hit Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok, soundtracking over 22.5 million videos and amassing 45.5 billion views globally. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and North West took part in the trend, introducing her timeless sound to Gen Z audiences.
Francis embraced the moment, even posting her own TikTok video lip-syncing to the decades-old hit. “First time I’ve lip-synched to this 63-year-old recording of mine!” she captioned. She later thanked Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Timothée Chalamet for helping her music reach new ears.
Her story was one of resilience through tragedy, and a legacy built on sincerity, vocal clarity, and a deep connection with her audience. Connie Francis leaves behind not just a catalog of unforgettable songs, but a testament to the enduring power of popular music to transcend time.
