Culture Craze

Connie Francis Dies at 87: From Global Stardom to TikTok Fame, and a Life Lived Out Loud

Published

2 months ago

July 18, 2025

Chiraag

Connie Francis obituary, TikTok revival of classic songs, American pop star, 1950s music icons, Connie Francis mental health advocate, crime survivor celebrity, women in music history, Connie Francis viral hit, Joburg ETC

The rise, fall, and unexpected second act of a pop music pioneer

Connie Francis, the unmistakable voice behind Stupid Cupid and Who’s Sorry Now, has died at the age of 87. Once hailed as the biggest-selling female recording artist on Earth, Francis passed away on Wednesday evening following a brief illness while in hospital for a fractured pelvis. During her stay, she was diagnosed with pneumonia.

For many, the timing of her passing feels especially poignant: just months after she found herself unexpectedly back in the limelight thanks to TikTok.

TikTok made her viral, but she was a legend long before that

In a social media era dominated by Gen Z stars and bite-sized trends, it is no small feat for a 1962 B-side to become a viral sensation. Yet Pretty Little Baby, a soulful ballad from Francis’s heyday, found new life on TikTok this year. Millions, including celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, used the track in videos showing off their babies, pets, or sweet romantic moments.

Agnetha Fältskog of ABBA fame even paid tribute, calling Francis her lifelong favourite singer, while actress Gracie Lawrence, currently playing Francis on Broadway, performed the song dressed in character, bringing the star’s story full circle.

When asked about the song’s revival, a humble Francis told People magazine in June, “To tell you the truth, I didn’t even remember the song!” Her laughter was endearing, her reflection sincere: “To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is touching the hearts of millions… it’s truly awesome.”

Born for the stage but battered by life

Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero in Brooklyn, New York, Francis grew up in a modest Italian-American home. Her father, recognising her talent early, encouraged her to perform from age three, starting with the accordion.

Despite multiple rejections by record labels, a twist of fate and a demo called Freddy, which shared a name with a label executive’s son, landed her a contract with MGM. It was her 18th, and supposedly final, recording attempt that changed everything: a cover of Who’s Sorry Now?, urged on by her father.

The song, championed by Dick Clark on American Bandstand, shot her to stardom. She quickly became a household name, topping charts with hits like Lipstick on Your Collar, Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool, and Where the Boys Are.

Her voice wasn’t the only thing that set her apart: she sang in seven languages, recorded one of the earliest charity singles, and broke barriers for female artists in an era when the music industry was firmly male-dominated.

But behind the success, tragedy loomed

Francis’ life was far from a fairytale. In 1974, following a comeback show in New York, she was raped at knifepoint in her hotel room, a trauma that changed everything. She later admitted to spiralling into depression and attempting suicide. It was her son Joey’s voice outside the bathroom door, calling her the “best mommy ever,” that stopped her from going through with it.

The incident turned her into a fierce advocate for victims of sexual violence and mental health. She successfully sued the motel chain for negligence and became active in organisations like Women Against Rape and Mental Health America.

In 1981, as she attempted yet another return to the stage, tragedy struck again: her younger brother, George Franconero, was murdered outside his home after testifying against the mafia. The loss pushed her further into isolation and treatment, and she was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Still, she always came back singing

Despite it all, Francis recorded more than 70 albums and continued to perform into her 70s. She wore her pain and her triumphs equally, an open book with a back catalogue that never stopped resonating.

She had only recently been updating fans on Facebook, sharing news about her hospital stay and ongoing hip pain. Friends said she remained optimistic.

Ron Roberts, her longtime friend and record label head, shared the news of her death with a heavy heart, noting, “I know Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.”

A life of high notes and heartbreak

Looking back on her career in 2010, Francis said, “With the exception of my brother’s murder, I would do it all over again. Because although there were some terrible lows, there were also exhilarating highs that I would have never felt in any other profession.”

In the end, Connie Francis was more than a pop star: she was a fighter, an icon, and a survivor. Even at 87, she was still reaching new audiences and winning hearts.

Her music reminded us that no matter how much the world changes, a beautiful voice and a heartfelt lyric will always find their way home.