The legendary pop sensation Connie Francis, known for her unforgettable hits from the 1950s and 1960s, including chart-toppers like “Silly Cupid,” “The Place the Boys Are,” and the recently viral TikTok sensation “Pretty Little Baby,” has sadly passed away at the age of 87, as reported by the New York Times. Her remarkable career and heartfelt music touched millions, establishing her as an iconic figure in the history of pop music.

The heartbreaking news was shared by Ron Roberts, a close friend and the president of Concetta Records, through a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday evening. In his message, which was subsequently shared on Francis’ official account, he expressed deep sorrow over her passing, stating, “It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night.” He emphasized that Connie would have wanted her fans to be among the first to hear this tragic news, promising that further details would be shared later.

Recently, Francis faced health challenges, having been hospitalized due to experiencing “significant pain.” However, she had shared an uplifting message on Facebook on July 4, indicating that she was “feeling much better after a good night,” showcasing her resilience and positive spirit even in difficult times.

Connie Francis emerged as a defining female vocalist of her era, achieving remarkable success by topping the charts multiple times and selling over 200 million records globally. Her timeless hits, including “Silly Cupid,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” and “Frankie,” solidified her status in pop music. Notably, in 1960, she made history as the first woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” and she later became the first female artist to have three songs hit No. 1 on the charts.

Recently, a resurgence in her popularity occurred when the B-side track “Pretty Little Baby” gained immense traction on TikTok, resulting in over 30 million streams and its entry into both Spotify’s global and U.S. charts, as well as reaching the top 5 on iTunes’ U.S. pop songs chart. In response to this unexpected popularity, Francis joined TikTok to express her gratitude to her newfound fans, sharing a video where she conveyed her feelings of being “flabbergasted and excited” by the song’s newfound acclaim more than six decades after its original release.

Connie Francis was born as Connie Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, on December 12, 1937. From an early age, she showcased her talent by participating in local talent contests and pageants. Her journey in the music industry took a pivotal turn when, before an appearance on the variety show “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” she was advised to change her last name to Francis to enhance its pronunciation. Despite facing initial setbacks with her first eight singles failing to gain commercial success after signing with MGM Records in 1955, her determination and talent eventually led her to her first significant break in 1957 with the duet “The Majesty of Love,” which managed to enter the Billboard Hot 100.

Although her early career was challenging, Francis considered a shift towards a medical career and was even accepted into New York University. However, during what was supposed to be her final session, she recorded a cover of the classic 1923 song “Who’s Sorry Now.” Initially, the track experienced a slow climb, but with exposure from Dick Clark on “American Bandstand” in January 1958, where he invited her to perform, her career took off. The song soared to No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and reached No. 4 in the U.S., leading to a renewal of her contract with MGM Records.

Partnering with the renowned songwriting duo Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, Francis enjoyed a series of chart-topping hits that included both original compositions and cover songs such as “Silly Cupid,” “My Happiness,” “Among My Souvenirs,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” and “Frankie.” In late 1959, she ventured into a new musical territory with the album “Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites,” which expanded her appeal to a more mature audience. Her success in the pop genre continued into the early 1960s, as she produced more hits that climbed into the top 10, including “Breakin’ in a Brand New Heart,” “When the Boy in Your Arms (Is the Boy in Your Heart),” “Second Hand Love,” and “The Place the Boys Are.”

Francis was a trailblazer among recording artists, being among the first to release entire albums sung in various languages, including Italian, Yiddish, German, Romanian, Spanish, and Irish. Her 1960 German-language hit “Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel” achieved No. 1 status in West Germany, establishing her as a beloved figure across Europe and representing the quintessential image of an American female pop singer to international audiences. Even during the Cold War, her songs resonated and were well-received in countries like the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

As the 1960s progressed, Francis faced increasing competition as the Beatles and Rolling Stones dominated the charts. Nonetheless, she maintained her status as a successful live performer, consistently selling out concerts across the United States and internationally. In 1969, her contract with MGM came to an end, marking a pivotal moment in her career.

The 1970s marked a difficult chapter for Francis, as she bravely spoke out about a traumatic experience of being raped in a motel during an engagement at the Westbury Music Fair in New York. Although the perpetrator was never apprehended, she took legal action against the motel chain for inadequate security and won a $2.5 million settlement. This incident significantly impacted her mental health, leading to a deep depression that resulted in her recording only one album, “Who’s Happy Now?,” in 1978. Following nasal surgery that caused her to lose her voice, she was unable to perform until 1981. Tragically, that same year, her brother was murdered by the mafia, prompting Francis to retreat from the public eye. In 1984, she published a memoir titled “Who’s Sorry Now?,” which became a bestseller and offered insight into her struggles.

Throughout her later career, Francis continued to record music and perform live, headlining numerous shows in Las Vegas. In 2017, she released another autobiography titled “Among My Souvenirs,” and officially announced her retirement in 2018, concluding a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry.

Connie Francis experienced four marriages throughout her life and had a romantic relationship with singer Bobby Darin. During her third marriage to restaurateur Joseph Garzilli, she adopted a son named Joey. She was also in a long-term relationship with Tony Ferretti from 2003 until his passing in 2022.

She is survived by her beloved son, Joey Garzilli, who carries on her legacy and memory.