Legendary American singer Connie Francis, famous for evergreen numbers such as “Stupid Cupid”, “Pretty Little Baby”, and “Mama”, died on July 16 at the age of 87. Her friend Ron Roberts confirmed the news on Facebook with a moving tribute, stating, “It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night.”
Health Issues Prior to Her Demise
Francis had been hospitalized since July 2 because of “extreme pain” and had to cancel her guest spot on radio legend Cousin Brucie’s Independence Day program. In a statement to fans, Connie disclosed that she was having tests done and thought that her health concerns could be caused by earlier hip procedures.
“I hoped to participate in Brucie’s show. Unfortunately, I had to pull out again,” she wrote. She subsequently went into intensive care before being transferred to a private room. Her last Facebook update on July 4 posted that she was “feeling much better” and wished fans happy Fourth of July.
A Career That Defined an Era
Gaining popularity during the 1950s, Connie Francis became the nation’s favorite singer. Her first success was in 1958 with her cover of “Who’s Sorry Now,” which shot through the roof after being included on American Bandstand. It reached over a million copies and peaked at number one on the UK charts.
She continued with a series of hits like “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “Pretty Little Baby” that recently became popular once again on Instagram and TikTok.
Legacy and Later Life
In subsequent years, Francis wrote two autobiographies “Who’s Sorry Now?” (1984) and “Among My Souvenirs” (2017). She retired from public life in 2018, leaving behind a glittering legacy that inspires generations.
