Connie Francis, the beloved singer from the sixties, has sadly passed away at 87.
She was born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, but the world knew her as Connie. Her voice and songs like “Pretty Little Baby,” “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” and “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” made her a big name back in the day.
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The news came from a close friend
Her longtime friend Ron Roberts shared the news 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. I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news. More details will follow later.”
Connie left behind songs that stuck with people
Connie wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. She had a bunch of memorable songs that lived on long after the charts moved on.
“Pretty Little Baby” was one of them. It stayed in people’s memories for decades.
That old hit blew up again on TikTok
Even though she hadn’t put out new music since the 90s, “Pretty Little Baby” suddenly started trending again on TikTok.
It really took off when North West posted a video with it. Then a ton of other users started jumping on the trend.
She was surprised by the sudden attention
Francis found out her song was going viral and shared her reaction on Facebook.
“My thanks to TikTok and its members for the wonderful, and oh so unexpected, reception given to my 1961 recording ‘Pretty Little Baby’.”
She added, “The first I learned of it was when Ron [Roberts] called to advise me that I had ‘a viral hit.’ Clearly out of touch with present day music statistics terminology, my initial response was to ask: ‘What’s that?’”
She ended her post with another big thank you to everyone listening.
Fans showed her so much love
People were genuinely thrilled for her. One fan wrote: “Congratulations Connie, this is wonderful news, and a chance to introduce your fabulous music to today’s audiences, so they can hear for themselves your amazing voice.”
Another said: “Connie, I’m so delighted that your record ‘Pretty Little Baby’ is spiraling to the top of the charts. It’s about time the younger generation realizes what good music is! God bless you always.”
Someone else added: “Connie, I am so thrilled for you with this unexpected surprise! I don’t follow TikTok either, but it is so amazing that the younger crowd is learning all about your one of a kind songs and talent. Enjoy the recognition. Love you.”
Connie’s health took a turn just before she passed
Not long before her death, Connie told fans she was in the hospital with “extreme pain.”
She ended up in the ICU, which worried a lot of her longtime followers.
Her last message was a hopeful one
On July 4, Connie gave a quick update and said she was feeling “much better.”
She also wished everyone a happy Independence Day in that post. No one knew that would be her last message.