Connie Francis, the iconic voice behind hits like "Where the Boys Are" and "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," has passed away at the age of 87. The news was confirmed by her friend and publicist, Ron Roberts. Francis, whose real name was Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, died on July 16, 2025, in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Francis was hospitalized in late June with extreme pain, which was later revealed to be related to a pelvic fracture. She had been using a wheelchair in recent years due to hip issues. Roberts noted that Francis's health deteriorated after she left the hospital earlier in July and that she was unconscious for two days before her passing. He confirmed that she "slipped away peacefully".

Connie Francis emerged as a star during the rise of rock 'n' roll, captivating audiences with her angelic voice and versatile musical style. While "Pretty Little Baby" has recently seen a surge in popularity on TikTok, introducing her to a new generation of fans, her legacy extends far beyond that single viral hit. Here are five classic Connie Francis hits that showcase her enduring talent:

1. "Who's Sorry Now?" (1958): This dreamy rendition of an old standard launched Francis into stardom. The song's success established her as a prominent figure in the music industry and demonstrated her ability to breathe new life into classic melodies.
2. "Stupid Cupid" (1958): A cheerfully upbeat and playful tune that perfectly captured the spirit of the late 1950s. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about teenage love made it a hit among younger audiences, solidifying Francis's appeal as a teen idol.
3. "Lipstick on Your Collar" (1959): This high-energy, galloping song further showcased Francis's versatility and cemented her place in the rock 'n' roll landscape. Its infectious rhythm and relatable theme of young romance resonated with listeners, contributing to its widespread popularity.
4. "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" (1960): This song was a No. 1 hit for Francis, marking a significant milestone in her career. It was also the first song by a female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's heartfelt lyrics and Francis's emotive delivery resonated with audiences, solidifying her position as a leading vocalist of her time.
5. "Where the Boys Are" (1961): Perhaps her most iconic song, this became the theme song for Francis's first motion picture and is forever linked to the spring break culture in Fort Lauderdale. The song's association with the film and its upbeat tempo made it an enduring anthem for youthful freedom and summertime fun.

Beyond these hits, Connie Francis demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout her career. She recorded albums dedicated to various genres, including Italian favorites, country & western, and even fun songs for children. She also recorded versions of her hits in multiple languages, including Italian, German, Spanish, and Japanese, showcasing her international appeal.

In her later years, Francis faced personal tragedies and health challenges, but she eventually returned to the stage, performing in venues like Las Vegas and Atlantic City until her retirement in the 2010s. Even after retiring, Francis experienced a resurgence in popularity when her 1962 song "Pretty Little Baby" went viral on TikTok in May 2025. She expressed her delight that her music was still being embraced by younger audiences. Just weeks before her death, Francis hoped that another one of her songs called "Baby Roo" would replicate the success of "Pretty Little Baby".

Connie Francis leaves behind a rich musical legacy and a lasting impact on popular culture. Her contributions to music and film will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.