Connie Francis, who was at one time the world’s biggest-selling female artist, has died at the age of 87.
The musician, whose hits included Stupid Cupid and Who’s Sorry Now, had recently enjoyed a resurgence after her 1962 song Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok.
Francis had recently been treated for pelvic pain caused by a fracture. Her death was first reported by the president of her record label, Ron Roberts, and confirmed to the BBC by Universal Music.
“It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night,” Roberts wrote on Facebook.
“I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.”
The star’s death comes just months after Pretty Little Baby became a trending song on TikTok.
Millions of people, including Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, lip-synced to the easy listening ballad, while showing off their children and pets, or making displays of affection.
One video, by social media influencers Brooke Monk and Sam Dezz, was watched more than 158 million times.
ABBA singer Agnetha Fältskog also posted the song, saying that Francis had long been her favourite singer. And the actress Gracie Lawrence, who is currently playing Francis in the Broadway musical Just in Time, also shared a video of herself singing the track, while dressed in character.
Credit: bbc.com
