Connie Francis has passed away at 87 years, just two weeks after being hospitalized with “extreme pain.” The news was shared by her close friend and manager. Ron Roberts, president of Concetta Records. He posted the announcement on Facebook early Thursday, July 17. Francis was a beloved singer known for her powerful voice and lasting impact on music. Her death marks the end of a remarkable era.
Robers posted, “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 news comes two weeks after she was hospitalized with “extreme pain”. During her ongoing health struggles, she kept fans updated through Facebook posts, sharing her journey and challenges. The New York Post had reported on her condition earlier.
Francis was hospitalized on July 2 in Florida. She shared an update on her health on social media by saying, “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.” According to Metro, she had to cancel her planned appearance on Cousin Brucie’s Independence Day radio show after being moved to the intensive care unit due to her worsening health condition.
In a Facebook post dated 3rd and 4th July, Connie Francis told fans she was “feeling much better” during her hospital stay. A week later, the ‘Who’s Sorry Now?’ singer shared that she remained under medical observation as doctors worked to find the cause of her pain. Earlier in May, Francis had revealed she was using a wheelchair following surgery for a recent hip injury. Despite her ongoing health struggles, she continued to stay in touch with her supporters through social media platforms. As of now, the exact cause of her death has not been made public. Her passing marks the end of a legendary and courageous journey through music and life.
Connie Francis recently found new fame after her 1962 track ‘Pretty Little Baby’ went viral on social media. She was born Concetta Franconero in Newark, New Jersey. The song, which had remained under the radar for decades, gained sudden popularity 63 years later, as reported by People magazine. From a young age, Francis showed great musical talent. With encouragement from her father, she began performing in talent shows and pageants by the age of four. She also sang and played the accordion. Her early passion for music led to appearances on television, including a spot on NBC’s Startime Kids. She adopted the name Connie Francis for a more memorable stage name, which would go on to become iconic in the music world. Her brand of charm, voice, and determination helped her build a career that lasted generations and left a lasting impression on both old and new fans.
The music star was married four times. Her first marriage was to Dick Kanellis in 1964. This was followed by Izzy Marion in 1971. Then she married Joseph Garzilli from 1973 to 1978 and later Bob Parkinson from 1985 to 1986. She adopted a son named Joseph Garzilli Jr. with her husband Garzilli, according to reports. Francis got her big break in 1958 with the hit song ‘Who’s Crying Now?’ Before rising to fame, she worked behind the scenes in the music industry. She recorded demo tracks meant for other artists. She also made early appearances on children’s TV shows in New York City, building her path to stardom.
