Legendary singer Connie Francis has passed away at the age of 87, her longtime friend Ron Roberts confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook post. “It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night,” he wrote. “I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.”
Francis, who rose to fame in the 1950s and ’60s, found herself unexpectedly back in the spotlight in recent months thanks to a resurgence of her 1962 hit Pretty Little Baby. The timeless song went viral across platforms like TikTok, where it was featured in countless videos by creators, influencers, and celebrities alike.
In one of her final social media posts, Francis shared her gratitude and amazement at the renewed attention her music was receiving. She wrote that she was “thrilled and overwhelmed” by the sudden popularity of the song and extended thanks to public figures like Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, and Jimmy Fallon for helping bring Pretty Little Baby to a new generation of fans. The track had reportedly been featured in videos viewed over 17 billion times.
Though she had stepped away from the public eye for some time, Francis remained active on social media and was deeply touched by the outpouring of love from both longtime and new fans. “Hi Everyone – I’m still astounded by the popularity of Pretty Little Baby,” she wrote on Facebook, expressing heartfelt thanks to all those who embraced her music.
In recent months, however, the singer had shared updates about health challenges, including a hospital stay that left many fans concerned. Radio personality Cousin Brucie had mentioned her condition publicly, which Connie later confirmed herself, stating she had been in intensive care.
Francis also opened up in past interviews about her personal journey with health and wellness. In a 2011 interview with The Village Voice, she spoke candidly about receiving several medical diagnoses over the years, including being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Despite the challenges she faced, Connie Francis remained a powerful voice in the world of music and a cherished figure to many. Her ability to connect across generations through a single song shows the timeless nature of her talent.
May she rest in peace. Her music and legacy will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.