Connie Francis, the beloved 1960s pop star known for hits such as “Pretty Little Baby” and “Who’s Sorry Now,” has passed away at the age of 87. She had been hospitalized for “extreme pain” in recent weeks before ultimately succumbing to her illness.
Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in 1938, Francis grew up in a working-class family in New Jersey. She began her musical career at the age of three, singing in her father’s band. By the time she was a teenager, she was performing at local clubs and had caught the attention of record labels.
In 1955, Francis signed with MGM Records and released her first single, “Freddy,” under the name Connie Franconero. It wasn’t until 1957, when she changed her name to Connie Francis, that she found success with her cover of “Who’s Sorry Now?” The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and launched Francis into stardom.
Over the next decade, Francis had numerous hit singles, including “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” She also branched out into acting, appearing in films such as “Where the Boys Are” and “Follow the Boys.”
But along with her success came personal tragedies that would haunt Francis for the rest of her life. In 1974, she was brutally assaulted at a Howard Johnson’s hotel in Westbury, New York. The trauma from the attack caused Francis to develop agoraphobia and she rarely performed in public afterwards.
In 1981, her brother George was killed while trying to protect their mother from a man who was trying to steal her purse. The loss of her brother had a profound impact on Francis and she struggled with depression and anxiety for many years.
Despite her struggles, Francis continued to perform and release music throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She also became an advocate for victims of sexual assault and worked to raise awareness and funds for research into a cure for agoraphobia.
Fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the late singer. Actress and singer Lainie Kazan wrote on Twitter, “Connie Francis was a trailblazer and an inspiration. Her music will live on forever.”
Francis’ legacy as a pioneer for women in the music industry will not be forgotten. She paved the way for countless female artists and her impact on the industry will be felt for generations to come.
In a statement to the press, Francis’ family said, “Connie Francis was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and her music will continue to bring joy to fans around the world.” Details about her funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
The legacy of Connie Francis will live on through her iconic songs and her impact on the music industry. She will be remembered as a trailblazer, a survivor, and a beloved icon of the 1960s.