When did Connie Francis change her name? Reasons explored as 'Pretty Little Baby' singer dies at 87

Connie Francis, best known for her timeless hits and enduring influence, has died at 87. She was a legendary pop singer whose voice defined an era and recently found newfound fame on TikTok with her 1962 song Pretty Little Baby. Her lifelong friend and copyright manager, Ron Roberts, reported her death on Thursday, July 17, 2025. He wrote on Facebook:

"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."

Connie Francis’ real name was Concetta Maria Franconero. She was born to first-generation Italian immigrants in 1938 in Newark, New Jersey. She started performing at a young age, and at 14, she got her first big break on The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout Show. Godfrey, who struggled to pronounce her surname, suggested she change it — and so “Connie Francis” was born, a name she officially adopted in December 1950. Godfrey also advised her to give up playing the accordion.

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A legacy of hits and a life of resilience

With her song Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool, Connie Francis became the first female artist to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. She also had several more successes, such as Where the Boys Are, Stupid Cupid, and Lipstick on Your Collar. In 1958, she made her breakthrough with the song Who’s Sorry Now?, which her father had encouraged her to record. It gained international recognition after Dick Clark aired it on American Bandstand.

She was on the verge of giving up music before her career took off, as she struggled to generate significant sales while under contract with MGM Records.

Francis had great career success, but tragedy and adversity also shaped her life. She suffered a traumatic experience in a motel room when she was raped. That incident left her with long-lasting mental and emotional scars. Later, she won a $2.5 million lawsuit alleging inadequate security at the motel against the hotel chain.

Her mental health spiraled, and she was diagnosed with manic depression as a result of the incident, a botched sinus procedure that momentarily prevented her from singing, and her brother’s murder. She underwent treatment, often involuntarily committed by her father.

Despite all of this, she returned to singing and wrote autobiographies — Among My Souvenirs in 2017 and Who’s Sorry Now? in 1984.

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The TikTok resurgence of Pretty Little Baby

Decades after its release, “Pretty Little Baby” found new life on TikTok in 2025, bringing Connie Francis back into the cultural spotlight.

Influencers would lip-sync to the romantic ballad, which was released in 1962, making the song go viral again after 63 years. With more than 74.8 million plays on Spotify and allegedly more than 10 billion listens overall, the song went viral on streaming services as well.

Connie Francis acknowledged she didn’t initially recall the song in an interview with PEOPLE magazine about the viral moment:

"To tell you the truth, I didn't even remember the song — I had to listen to it to remember. To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is touching the hearts of millions of people is truly awesome. It is an amazing feeling.”

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Connie Francis's last days and fan tribute

Early in July 2025, Francis was admitted to the hospital due to “extreme pain” and was forced to postpone her Independence Day performance. She updated her fans through social media and was transferred to intensive care before being moved to a private room.

Despite her condition, Francis continued to communicate with her fans on Facebook:

"Hello Everyone. As many of you may now have learned through [radio star] Cousin Brucie's Facebook page, I am back in hospital where I have been undergoing tests and checks to determine the cause(s) of the extreme pain I have been experiencing."

She added:

"I had hoped to take part in Brucie's show for Independence Day, having had to cancel a previous slot a few weeks ago when receiving treatment on my hip. Sadly, I had to let him know that I again had to withdraw."

Connie Francis concluded with:

"My thanks for your many get well soon messages. I will endeavor to keep you updated. Love, Connie."

She shared her final message on July 4, 2025. She wrote:

"Today I am feeling much better after a good night, and wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a happy Fourth of July. Thank you all for your continued kind thoughts and prayers. A happy Independence Day to you and your loved ones."

Fans across the globe mourned Connie Francis’ death and paid heartfelt tribute online.

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