Connie Francis, ‘Pretty Little Baby’ Singer, Dies at 87

Early Life and Career

Connie Francis (born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero; December 12, 1937) rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as one of the most successful female pop singers. She was the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 (“Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” 1960) and sold over 100 million records worldwide. Known for hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?”, “Stupid Cupid”, “Where the Boys Are”, and “Pretty Little Baby”, her career spanned multiple languages, films, and international acclaim.

Recent Viral Revival

After retiring in 2018 and living in Florida, Francis experienced a late-career resurgence when her 1962 B-side “Pretty Little Baby” became a viral sensation on TikTok in May 2025, generating billions of views and drawing her back into the spotlight.

Final Days and Passing

In early July, Francis was hospitalized in Florida due to severe hip-related pain and underwent tests. Though she briefly improved, her condition worsened, and she passed away peacefully—per her close friend and manager Ron Roberts—on July 16, 2025 (death reported July 17), at age 87.

Legacy and Impact

Francis achieved 15 Billboard Hot 100 top‑10 hits, more than any female artist in her era, and recorded in 15 languages, making her a true global star of pre‑Beatles pop music. Her personal life included major challenges—ranging from trauma and health struggles to mental illness—yet she remained a resilient icon. Her late-life resurgence brought her career full circle, delighting both longtime fans and new generations.

Final Summary