Connie Francis, Iconic 50s & 60s Singer, Dead at 87: A Life of Hits and Heartache

2025-07-18 12:00:50.094

Connie Francis, the wholesome pop star of the 1950s and ‘60s known for hits like “Pretty Little Baby” and “Who’s Sorry Now?”, died at age 87. Longtime friend Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow confirmed her passing at a Florida hospital, though the specific cause of death wasn't revealed. Francis had recently been hospitalized due to extreme pain. Her death comes after a resurgence in popularity thanks to “Pretty Little Baby” going viral on TikTok. From 1957-64, Francis was a chart-topping artist, with over a dozen Top 20 hits and several films to her name. Her career began after Dick Clark featured her on “American Bandstand”. A tumultuous personal life included a romance with Bobby Darin ended abruptly by her father, a traumatic rape, the murder of her brother, and struggles with mental health. Despite these hardships, Francis remained a strong advocate against violent crime, even serving on a task force appointed by President Reagan. She was married four times and considered only her third marriage successful. Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, her early appearances on television shows launched her career. She leaves behind a legacy of musical success and a story of resilience in the face of profound personal adversity.