Singer-actress Connie Francis, known for her hit 'Pretty Little Baby', passes away at 87 years old.
In a poignant announcement last night, the Facebook page of the iconic pop singer Connie Francis confirmed her death at the age of 87. Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, on December 12, 1937, Francis was a celebrated American music legend, known for her powerful voice and versatility.
Francis, who graduated from Belleville High School, began her career performing on television at the age of nine. She quickly rose to fame with hits like "Who's Sorry Now?" and "Stupid Cupid," which restored momentum to her chart career in the late 1950s. Her success continued, with Francis becoming the first woman to top the *Billboard* Hot 100 with her song "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" in 1960.
Throughout her career, Francis achieved three No. 1 hits on the chart and was recognized as the most successful female recording artist in several countries, including Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy, Australia, and the US. In addition to her music, Francis also starred in several films, expanding her reach beyond the realm of music.
Francis faced significant personal challenges, including being beaten and raped at a hotel in Jericho, New York, in 1974. This incident led to struggles with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 1984, she attempted suicide and was in a coma for several days.
In recent years, Francis had been dealing with health issues. In May, she shared that she was in a wheelchair following hip injury surgery. She was hospitalized again in July due to extreme pain and was under observation to determine the cause of her discomfort.
The exact cause of Francis's death has not been publicly disclosed as of yet. Her death was confirmed by her manager, Ron Roberts, on Facebook. Roberts indicated that Francis would have approved of her fans being among the first to learn of her death.
Francis's legacy continues to be celebrated through her music, including her song "Pretty Little Baby," which saw a resurgence in popularity on social media platforms earlier this year. Her hits, such as "Lipstick on Your Collar" and "Who's Sorry Now?," became a soundtrack for a generation of teens in the 1960s.
As the story regarding Connie Francis's death is still developing, further updates on her health and career may be forthcoming. Her fans and admirers continue to mourn the loss of a music icon who left an indelible mark on the world of pop music.
Entertainment enthusiasts are now reminiscing about the legacy of Connie Francis, whose influence on pop music spanned decades, as they find solace in her timeless hits. On the other hand, industry insiders and celebrities are taking to social media to express their condolences upon hearing the news of this trailblazing artist's passing, acknowledging the profound impact she had on their own careers and the entertainment industry as a whole.
