Introduction:
Connie Francis, Trailblazing Pop Icon and Advocate, Dies at 87
July 18, 2025 — Beloved singer Connie Francis, whose unforgettable voice defined an era with hits like “Who’s Sorry Now” and “Pretty Little Baby,” has passed away at the age of 87. Her death was confirmed on Thursday, July 17, just two weeks after she revealed she had been hospitalized due to extreme pain.
A heartfelt message from her longtime friend and label president Ron Roberts announced the news:
“It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night.”
Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, Connie’s music career began early—singing and playing accordion at local contests as a child. She rose to fame in 1958 after Dick Clark played “Who’s Sorry Now” on American Bandstand, launching her into superstardom. The song soared to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 in the UK.
Francis went on to become the first solo female artist to top the U.S. charts with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” in 1960, followed by multiple hits like “Lipstick on Your Collar” and “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You.” She recorded in several languages, appeared in films, and was a frequent presence on television, earning global acclaim.
But behind the spotlight, her life was marked by profound pain: a brutal assault in 1974, the murder of her brother, failed marriages, and years of misdiagnosed mental health struggles. Despite it all, she turned pain into purpose—becoming an outspoken advocate for rape victims and mental health awareness.
In recent years, Francis experienced a career resurgence as her 1962 B-side “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok, touching a new generation. In what became a bittersweet farewell, she recently posted a message thanking fans and celebrities for singing along with the track—including Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Francis is survived by her son, Joseph Garzilli Jr., and millions of fans around the world. Her legacy lives on in her music, her advocacy, and her unshakable spirit.
“I want to be remembered not so much for the heights I have reached, but for the depths from which I have come,” she once said.