Legendary 60s singer Connie Francis dies aged 87

Legendary country and pop singer Connie Francis, known for her hit Pretty Little Baby, has died at the age of 87.
Her death was confirmed on social media by her friend and copyright manager Ron Roberts. ‘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 wrote on Facebook. ‘I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news' (Picture: TNS/Getty Images)

Last month Francis cancelled an appearance on Cousin Brucie’s Independence Day radio show after she was hospitalised and transferred to intensive care due to ‘extreme pain’.On July 2, Francis wrote on Facebook: ‘As many of you may now have learned through Cousin Brucie’s Facebook page, I am back in hospital where I have been undergoing tests and checks to determine the cause(s) of the extreme pain I have been experiencing' (Picture: Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

‘I had hoped to take part in Brucie’s show for Independence Day, having had to cancel a previous slot a few weeks ago when receiving treatment on my hip. Sadly, I had to let him know that I again had to withdraw. My thanks for your many get well soon messages. I will endeavor to keep you updated.’ (Credits: TNS/Getty Images)

Hours later, Francis updated fans that she had been transferred from intensive care into a ‘private room’ following a series of tests.Two days later, Francis revealed she was feeling ‘much better’ as she wished fans a happy July 4th (Picture: Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

Francis’ death comes after her 2062 track Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok, with influencers including the Kardashians lip-syncing the lyrics, accumulating over 15 million creates on the platform. In May Francis said she was ‘thrilled and overwhelmed’ at the success of Pretty Little Baby, which wasn’t a big hit on its release when she was 23

‘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. Thank you so much everybody, thank you TikTok,’ she said (Picture: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Alongside her hits, which also included Where the Boys Are and Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool, Francis starred in a number of popular films including Looking for Love in 1964 and When the Boys Meet the Girls in 1965 (Picture: Bobby Bank/WireImage)

In a 2024 interview, Connie reflected on her sudden rise to fame. ‘In December of 1957, I was typing and taking shorthand and doing filing in my Aunt Louisa’s insurance firm and in 1960 I was voted the world’s Number One Female Vocalist,’ she said (Picture: Mychal Watts/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

She was one of the first artists to translate her hits into foreign language versions, which gave her music huge international appeal in countries including Japan, Germany and Italy. In the early 1960s, Francis was selling more records internationally than in the US. Fans have taken to social media with tributes to Francis. ‘RIP Connie, thank you for all your beautiful songs and movies,’ said Raye Leslie (Picture: Larry Marano/Getty Images)

Peter Trevino said: ‘I was five years old when I bought my first record, Connie Francis Many Tears Ago. I have been a lifelong fan. Connie inspired me to sing, to write songs, learn languages and travel the world. Her voice is the song in millions hearts tonight and forever. Sing on Connie!’ ‘Very sad news,’ began Randy McGill. ‘I had so hoped she would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before she passed away. She was considered the first lady of the first decade of rock and roll. Long ago she deserved to be included in the Hall of Fame. Rest in peace Connie. You will always be in my hall of fame’ (Picture: Denise Truscello/WireImage)