Legendary singer Connie Francis, known for “Pretty Little Baby,” has died at 87 after a recent hospitalization due to extreme pain.
Connie Francis, the iconic American singer celebrated for her 1962 hit “Pretty Little Baby,” died on July 16, 2025, at the age of 87.
Her death was confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook post by longtime friend and copyright manager Ron Roberts, who wrote, “It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night.” Roberts emphasized that Francis would have wanted her fans to be among the first to learn of this sad news.
Earlier this month, Francis was rushed to a Florida hospital after experiencing “extreme pain,” a condition first disclosed by radio personality Cousin Brucie on July 2. In a social media update, Francis explained that she was undergoing tests and had been forced to cancel appearances—including an Independence Day slot—to focus on her health.
Despite initial hopes of recovery and a return to the stage, her condition worsened, leading to her untimely passing.
Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, Francis rose to stardom in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She became the first solo female artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” in 1960 and amassed 53 charting singles over her career.
Though “Pretty Little Baby” was originally released in 1962 as a B‑side, it experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2025 when a viral social media moment propelled it onto global charts decades after its debut.
Throughout her life, Francis faced significant personal challenges, including surviving a violent assault in 1974, battling vocal cord issues, and coping with family tragedy and mental health struggles.
Undeterred, she became an outspoken advocate for rape survivors and mental health awareness, working alongside organizations such as Mental Health America.
With estimated record sales exceeding 200 million worldwide, Francis leaves a profound legacy of musical innovation, resilience, and boundary‑breaking achievements that continue to inspire artists and fans alike.
