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

2025-07-18 06:00:35.072

Connie Francis, the wholesome pop star of the 1950s and ‘60s known for hits such as “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's" TikTok fame. Francis enjoyed a successful career from 1957-64, scoring over a dozen Top 20 hits and starring in films like “Where the Boys Are.” Her career began after Dick Clark's support on “American Bandstand.” Despite her professional success, Francis' personal life was marked by tragedy. A tumultuous romance with Bobby Darin ended after her father's intervention, and a violent rape in 1974 caused lasting emotional trauma. Further hardships included her brother's murder, a suicide attempt, and struggles with mental illness. Despite these challenges, Francis remained resilient and even worked with President Reagan on a task force on violent crime. She was married four times, finding lasting happiness only in her third marriage. Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, her early appearances on TV shows like “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” launched her career. Francis' life was a complex mix of musical triumph and personal heartbreak, leaving a lasting impact on music and popular culture.