Connie Francis, the legendary singer of classic hits such as ‘Stupid Cupid’, ‘Pretty Little Baby’, and ‘Mama’, is no more. The iconic singer breathed her last at the age of 87. Her death, which was confirmed on July 16, is barely a few days after she was hospitalised with ‘extreme pain’. The devastating news was posted by her dear friend Ron Roberts on Facebook.
He posted, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I tell you of the death of my friend Connie Francis last night. I know that Connie would want her fans to know first about her passing. Further details will be forthcoming later.”
Francis had told her followers that she was hospitalized on July 2, where tests were conducted to diagnose the cause of her pain. In a statement posted to her followers, she explained a potential connection to previous hip treatments.
She wrote, “Hello Everyone. As some of you will perhaps now know through (radio star) Cousin Brucie’s Facebook site, I am once more in hospital where tests and checks have been taking place to establish the reason(s) for the intense pain I have been suffering. I had been looking forward to appearing on Brucie’s show for Independence Day, having had to postpone a prior booking several weeks back while undergoing treatment for my hip. Unfortunately, I needed to inform him that I once more had to withdraw. My appreciation for your numerous get well soon greetings. I will strive to keep you informed. Love, Connie.”
She was switched to intensive care but eventually moved to a private room. Her last Facebook update on July 4 was, “Hello Everyone. I’m feeling much better today after a good night, and wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a happy Fourth of July. Thank you all for your ongoing kind thoughts and prayers. A happy Independence Day to you and your loved ones.”
Francis’ death comes after a recent spike in popularity for her 1962 single ‘Pretty Little Baby’, which went viral on social media such as Instagram and TikTok.
Emerging as a pop sensation during the 1950s, Francis topped charts with hits like ‘Lipstick on Your Collar’, ‘Where the Boys Are’, and her signature hit ‘Who’s Sorry Now’. The latter received massive exposure after being featured on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in 1958, breaking over a million copies sold and granting her a UK chart-top spot.
Throughout the years, she stayed in the limelight of the music world and even documented her life in two autobiographies: Who’s Sorry Now? (1984) and Among My Souvenirs (2017). In 2018, she decided to retire from public life.
