Connie Francis, once the world’s top-selling female recording artist, died on Wednesday night, 16 July 2025, at the age of 87.
Connie Francis dies: What’s the cause of death?
According to Ron Roberts, president of her record label, Francis passed away after being diagnosed with pneumonia during a hospital stay in Florida.
She had been hospitalised on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, due to pelvic pain, which was later attributed to a fracture. During her treatment, she was admitted to intensive care for further tests and monitoring.
Though her condition briefly improved, she later deteriorated and lost consciousness on Monday, 14 July 2025. She died two days later.
Roberts confirmed her death in a statement posted to Facebook, saying:
“With a heavy heart and extreme sadness… I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.”
Connie Francis biography
Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on 12 December 1937, Connie Francis rose to international fame in the late 1950s and 1960s.
Known for her clear vocals and emotional delivery, she became the first woman to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool in 1960.
Her career was marked by massive success globally—achieving number one status in the United States, Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy, and Australia.
Over her career, she sold over 100 million records worldwide and had 53 Billboard chart entries.
Some of her biggest hits included Stupid Cupid, Who’s Sorry Now, and the recently resurfaced Pretty Little Baby.
This 1962 B-side track went viral on TikTok in 2025, with millions—including celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner—using it in videos.
Francis faced several personal and medical challenges from the 1970s onward, which led to long hiatuses from performing.
However, she made a notable comeback in 1989 and continued performing until her retirement in 2018.
She released multiple albums during her later career, including Where the Hits Are, The Return Concert: Live at Trump’s Castle, and a tribute album With Love to Buddy dedicated to Buddy Holly.
Francis spent her final years in Florida, where she lived quietly after retiring from music.
Reactions to Connie Francis’ death
The news of Connie Francis’ death sparked tributes from across the entertainment world and her fanbase.
The viral resurgence of Pretty Little Baby on TikTok had introduced Francis to a new generation. Influencers like Brooke Monk and Sam Dezz used the track in videos, one of which was viewed more than 158 million times.
ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog paid tribute, noting that Francis had long been one of her favourite singers.
Actress Gracie Lawrence, currently portraying Francis in the Broadway musical Just in Time, posted a video of herself singing Pretty Little Baby while dressed in character.
Reflecting on the song’s unexpected popularity, Francis recently told People magazine:
“To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is touching the hearts of millions of people is truly awesome.”
Her death leaves behind a legacy defined by chart-topping hits, a resilient spirit, and a voice that resonated across generations.
