Pretty Little Baby singer Connie Francis dies aged 87 as close friend issues heartbreaking statement
Trailblazing pop and country singer Connie Francis has died at the age of 87, her friend Ron Roberts confirmed on Thursday.
The singer, who became the first woman to bag the number one spot on the Billboard top 100 in the USA, died following a recent hospitalisation in Florida.
Roberts indicated that further details would be shared later.
He initially announced her passing in a Facebook statement, writing: “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.”
The Pretty Little Baby hitmaker had been admitted to intensive care in July after experiencing extreme pelvic pain, according to radio personality Cousin Brucie.
The pain had become so severe that she required a wheelchair for mobility. Her hospitalisation forced her to cancel a scheduled Independence Day performance on July 4.
Despite her health struggles, Francis reached out to fans with an update on her condition that same day.
“A happy Independence Day to you and your loved ones,” she wrote, whilst thanking supporters for their prayers.
The 87-year-old had been battling these health issues in the months leading up to her death.
Francis’s 1963 song Pretty Little Baby experienced an unexpected resurgence on TikTok earlier this year, with influencers lip-syncing to the track.
The song has amassed more than 74.8 million streams on Spotify and reached the top five in both US and UK streaming charts in May.
Francis expressed her delight at the viral success, saying: “I recorded that song 63 years ago and to know that an entire new generation now knows who I am, and my music is thrilling for me.”
She admitted to People magazine that she had initially forgotten recording the track. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t even remember the song,” she said.
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Following the announcement of her death, fans have taken to social media to express their grief and share memories of the beloved singer.
“RIP Connie, thank you for all your beautiful songs and movies,” one fan wrote in tribute.
Another mourner commented: “Very sad news. An amazingly talented and lovely lady.”
Others shared personal connections to her music. “May she rest in peace. She will always be in our hearts because of her music,” wrote one supporter.
“Rest in peace Connie, you are one of my favorites,” another fan penned. “Sing up a storm in heaven girl.” (sic)