Connie Francis, Singer of Viral ‘Pretty Little Baby,’ Dies at 87
She was one of the most beloved artists of her generation
If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, chances are you’ve heard the song ‘Pretty Little Baby’. It went viral in 2024 and has continued to trend well into 2025. Originally released in 1965, the track experienced an unexpected comeback—thanks in large part to TikTok.
Behind the song is Connie Francis, a true pop legend from the 1950s and ’60s. Sadly, the music world is saying goodbye to one of its most iconic voices, as her representative, Ron Roberts, confirmed her passing at the age of 87 in a statement shared on social media. She was one of the first major pop divas. Her unique voice, style, and charisma helped shape an entire generation of music. And, as her recent viral success proves, her influence continues to reach new audiences today.
The singer, who had been hospitalized in recent months due to ongoing health issues, passed away on the night of July 16. Although the exact cause of death has not been revealed, it’s known that she had been in intensive care for several weeks.
Rip Connie Francis
1937 - 2025Goodbye to a true icon. pic.twitter.com/SjoWOe7jxC
— am ✰ (@decodekoch) July 17, 2025
Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, on December 12, 1937, Connie Francis was a child prodigy with a remarkable voice from a young age. Her big break came in 1958 with the song ‘Who’s Sorry Now?’, a track that went largely unnoticed until it was featured by the legendary Dick Clark on American Bandstand. From there, her career skyrocketed.
With a voice that was both sweet and powerful, full of feeling and character, Connie Francis became one of the most beloved artists of her generation. Songs like Stupid Cupid, Lipstick on Your Collar, Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool, and Where the Boys Are helped define an era and made her the first woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A Viral Comeback in 2024
As mentioned earlier, ‘Pretty Little Baby’ unexpectedly went viral in 2024, especially among younger audiences. The song racked up millions of plays and brought Francis back into the spotlight.
@xsb3l
Pretty little baby✨
♬ Pretty Little Baby – Connie Francis
Active on social media until shortly before her passing, she shared her excitement over the song’s resurgence: “I never imagined that a song I recorded more than 60 years ago could move a whole new generation,” she wrote at the time.
@soleastella Anyone else been singing this song non stop? #foryou #fyp #viral #prettylittlebaby ♬ Pretty Little Baby – Connie Francis
Beyond music, Connie also had a presence in film, starring in movies like Where the Boys Are, Looking for Love, and Follow the Boys. She was a trailblazer in recording songs in multiple languages—including Spanish—which helped her connect with fans around the globe.
Today, the music world says goodbye to one of its true pioneers. An artist who broke barriers, touched generations, and—right up to the end—found ways to stay connected and relevant. Her voice, her style, and her legacy will live on in every note she left behind.