Iconic voice behind “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are” passes away after recent hospitalization
Connie Francis, the beloved singer who became one of the biggest female vocalists of the 1950s and 60s, has passed away at the age of 87. The “Who’s Sorry Now” hitmaker died on Wednesday night, July 16, 2025, just days after being hospitalized for what she described as “extreme pain.”
Confirmation of Her Passing
Her longtime friend, Ron Roberts, shared the heartbreaking news via Facebook:
“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. More details will follow later.”
Recent Health Battle
Francis had informed fans earlier this month that she was undergoing hospital tests related to intense pain, which she suspected may have stemmed from previous hip treatments. On July 2, she revealed that the pain had forced her to cancel her scheduled Independence Day appearance on Cousin Brucie’sshow.
In a post to fans, she wrote:
“I had hoped to take part in Brucie’s show for Independence Day… Sadly, I had to let him know that I again had to withdraw.”
She was later moved into intensive care before being stabilized in a private hospital room. Her final Facebook post on July 4 expressed optimism:
“Today I am feeling much better after a good night… Thank you all for your continued kind thoughts and prayers. A happy Independence Day to you and your loved ones.”
A Sudden Resurgence Through TikTok
Just weeks before her passing, Connie found herself at the center of a surprising online revival. Her 1962 single Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok, resonating with a new generation of listeners.
Speaking to PEOPLE about the resurgence, she admitted:
“To tell you the truth, I didn’t even remember the song. I had to listen to it to remember. To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is touching the hearts of millions of people is truly awesome. It is an amazing feeling.”
A Trailblazing Career
Born in 1937, Connie Francis skyrocketed to fame in the late 1950s with chart-topping hits like:
• Stupid Cupid
• Lipstick on Your Collar
• Where the Boys Are
• Who’s Sorry Now – her breakout hit that gained mass attention after being featured on American Bandstand in 1958.
Her voice and vibrant energy made her one of the most recognizable female pop artists of her time. With millions of records sold worldwide, she became a pioneer for women in the male-dominated music industry of the 1950s and 60s.
Author and Advocate
In addition to music, Connie Francis was an accomplished writer. She published her memoir Who’s Sorry Now? in 1984, and a follow-up Among My Souvenirs in 2017. Her books explored her career highs as well as personal hardships, including surviving trauma, mental health challenges, and her unwavering comeback spirit.
A Quiet Farewell
After decades of performing and touring, Francis stepped back from the spotlight in 2018, although she continued to stay in touch with fans through social media. Her warmth, candid reflections, and timeless music remained a comfort to many.
Legacy
Connie Francis leaves behind a monumental legacy in American pop music. She was more than a voice of an era—she was a trailblazer whose songs captured the hearts of generations, and whose courage offstage inspired many.
Her music will forever echo through jukeboxes, playlists, and memories.
