Connie Francis, one of the most iconic female vocalists of the late 1950s and early 1960s, has passed away at the age of 87.
Her song “Pretty Little Baby” went viral across social media platforms this year — particularly on TikTok — where members of the younger generation, especially Gen Z, discovered her music through a trending audio and became hooked on it, using it for reels, song covers, and aesthetic edits. She is also known for hit songs such as “Who’s Sorry Now” and “Stupid Cupid”, to name a few.
Her passing was confirmed in a heartfelt message by her longtime friend and President of her label, Concetta Records, Ron Roberts, on Facebook:
“It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night. I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.”
Recently hospitalised for hip-related issues, Francis had been forced to cancel several appearances earlier this month, as she had openly shared with fans on social media.
In addition to her success as a singer, Francis also made her mark on the big screen. She starred in several musical films, including Where the Boys Are (1960), Follow the Boys (1963), and many more.
Francis passed away on Wednesday in Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.