Connie Francis, the ace American actress and pop singer known for her hit song ‘Pretty Little Baby’, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 87.
Ron Roberts, the singer’s publicist, announced her death in a Facebook post on Thursday.
“It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night,” he wrote.
“I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.”
The post, however, did not reveal where she died or the cause of death.
The singer earlier this month shared on social media that she was hospitalised for pain issues and had to cancel some appearances.
Regarded as one of the most successful female vocalists of the 1950s and 1960s, Connie was born Concetta Franconero in Newark, New Jersey. She began performing at a tender age.
She rose to fame with her 1958 hit single ‘Who’s Sorry Now’. In 1960, Francis was recognised as the most successful female artiste in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and the United States.
Known for her emotional ballads and multilingual recordings, she delivered numerous hits including ‘Where the Boys Are’, ‘Stupid Cupid’, and ‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool’.
She also acted in a series of musical films and recorded songs in several languages, gaining international acclaim.
Connie married four times. Her first marriage to Dick Kanellis in 1964 ended after three months.
The singer’s second marriage to Izzy Marion lasted from 1971 to 1972. She stayed with her third husband Joseph Garzilli from 1973 to 1978 while her fourth marriage to Bob Parkinson ended in 1986 after one year.
