Niamh Shackleton
Sixties singer Connie Francis has died.
Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, Francis went on to become well known in the music industry for songs like 'Pretty Little Baby', 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool', and 'My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own'.
Announcing the news of her death, her close friend Ron Roberts penned on Facebook today (July 17): "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."
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The late singer hadn't released new music since the 1990s but 'Pretty Little Baby' recently had an unexpected rise in popularity after going viral on TikTok.
North West was one big name to share a video with the music playing over it and other social media users quickly followed suit.
Francis responded to her song going viral before her passing. She penned on Facebook: "My thanks to TikTok and its members for the wonderful, and oh so unexpected, reception given to my 1961 recording 'Pretty Little Baby'.
"The first I learned of it was when Ron [Roberts] called to advise me that I had 'a viral hit'.
"Clearly out of touch with present day music statistics terminology, my initial response was to ask: 'What's that?'"
She concluded the post with another thank you to her listeners.
People wasted no time in congratulating Francis on her new-found viral stardom at the time.
One of her fans replied to her post: "Congratulations Connie, this is wonderful news, and a chance to introduce your fabulous music to today’s audiences, so they can hear for themselves your amazing voice."
A second gushed: "Connie, I’m so delighted that your record pretty little baby is spiraling to the top of the charts. It’s about time the younger generation realizes what good music is! God bless you always."
Somebody else added: "Connie, I am so thrilled for you with this unexpected surprise! I don’t follow TikTok either, but it is so amazing that the younger crowd is learning all about your one of a kind songs and talent. Enjoy the recognition. Love you."
In the days leading up to her passing, Francis told her Facebook followers that she'd been hospitalized with 'extreme pain' and ended up in intensive care.
Then, in an update shared on July 4, Francis said she was feeling 'much better' and went on to wish her fans a happy Independence Day.
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