Connie Francis, the trailblazing songstress whose timeless voice defined a generation of pre-Beatles pop music, has sadly passed away at the age of 87.
Her passing was announced Thursday, July 17, by longtime friend and publicist Ron Roberts, who did not immediately provide additional details.
“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 said.
“I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.”
Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, Francis’s musical journey began almost as soon as she could walk. She was just three years old when her father gifted her a child-sized accordion, and by four, she was performing in public. Her talent quickly led to television appearances on popular shows like Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and The Perry Como Show.
At the age of 17, she signed with MGM Records after making a splash on the TV circuit. Though her early singles struggled to find traction, her rendition of the old standard Who’s Sorry Now? changed everything—thanks in large part to airplay from Dick Clark on American Bandstand. Francis later credited Clark’s support as a turning point, saying she might have given up music entirely without his encouragement.
What followed was a meteoric rise. From 1957 to 1964, Francis was a constant chart presence, racking up more than a dozen top 20 hits including Stupid Cupid, Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool, Lipstick on Your Collar, and the chart-toppers Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You and The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own. Her ability to cross generations—with songs that resonated with both teens and adults—cemented her place as one of the era’s most beloved performers.
Francis’s global appeal was further amplified by her efforts to record many of her hits in multiple languages, including Italian and Spanish. She was also a staple on the silver screen, starring in films such as Where the Boys Are and Follow the Boys.
News of her passing triggered an outpouring of tributes from adoring fans across the globe.
My heart is broken at the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis. Thank you for a lifetime of music and laughter. You will be missed. Rest in peace Sweet Connie.
Deana Martin pic.twitter.com/HKjyuAkGmU
— Deana Martin (@DeanaMartin_) July 17, 2025
Today we say goodbye to the remarkable Connie Francis — a brilliant artist who sang her way into the hearts of millions. Her voice will forever be part of our story and the world’s. Thank you for everything, Connie. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/fE5w3Dvnfz
— The Ed Sullivan Show (@EdSullivanShow) July 17, 2025
Connie Francis. RIP. I’ve been singing it and saying it for years. The greatest. I’m so glad the kids discovered her towards the end of her life and she was there to see it. I guess TikTok is good for something. pic.twitter.com/x8t0e0fBWS
— Mario Cantone (@macantone) July 17, 2025
Kids today will never know how big Connie Francis was.
Crossing over three genres, she became the first woman EVER to reach the Billboard Hot 100 and have three number one hits.
An incredible talent that will have a lasting impact forever.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) July 17, 2025
the world has lost a great one last night.
RIP to connie francis.
you may know her from the recent viral hit
‘pretty little baby’..
87 years young.
now you’re with bobby once again! 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ynA9v4AuOF— Brody Bower (@BrodyLeeBower) July 17, 2025
Francis is survived by her son, Joseph Garzilli Jr., whom she adopted in 1974.
-with AP.
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