Though time and tragedy are seen on her face, former teen popstar Connie Francis is still as glamorous at 85 as she was in 1958 when her glossy lips belted out the hit song, “Who’s Sorry Now.”
Francis, born in Newark, New Jersey, was known to never appear in public without false eyelashes or stiletto heels, which added a couple of inches to her tiny frame of 1.56 m.
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At her 85th birthday celebration, in what she calls “the largest gathering of lifelong friends and those closest to me,” Francis was dressed to impress…
Launched into superstardom after the release of her “Who’s Sorry Now,” Francis enjoyed more successes through the 1960’s with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” “Lipstick on Your Collar” and “Heartaches by the Number.”
Despite the luxuries of fame, she was still saddled by heartbreak.
In the 1950s, a young pop star found herself falling for a fellow musician who would later become one of the biggest male performers of the 1960s. The top-selling female artist of the same era, she was swept up in a deep romance with a singer-songwriter, whose music would leave a lasting mark on the industry. Though their love story was brief, it had a lasting impact on her life.
Their connection started when the two met in a professional setting. He came to present one of his songs, and she, an established singer, made suggestions to improve it. Initially, he was unhappy with the changes, leading to a moment of tension. However, he later embraced her input, and despite the rocky start, they quickly developed feelings for each other. Over time, their love grew, but their romance was not meant to be.
Her father, a strict and traditional man, disapproved of the relationship. Taking drastic measures, he forced the young musician to stay away from his daughter. Although their love was cut short, she would later reflect on this romance as one of the most significant of her life, often recalling how deeply she had cared for him. Years after the end of their relationship, she described him as her “first and last love.”
A renowned pop star of the 1960s, known for her iconic voice and hits, once reflected on a poignant chapter of her life involving a fellow musical sensation. She recounted how her father harbored an intense dislike for the young musician she loved, to the point of even threatening him with a gun. This romantic interest, despite their undeniable connection, was driven away, in part because of his fragile health.
Years after the musician’s untimely death at 37, she described him as the most fascinating person she had ever known, someone with an unmatched drive and passion. He left an indelible mark on music with hits like “Splish Splash,” “Mack the Knife,” “Dream Lover,” and “Beyond the Sea,” and also found success in acting. His charm and talent extended to Hollywood, where he won a Golden Globe for his role in his debut film and went on to marry another film star of that era.
Meanwhile, under the strict guidance of her father, the female singer remained focused on her own burgeoning career. She lent her voice to various films and became a Hollywood presence in her own right, starring in a movie that featured one of her most famous songs. Despite their separation, the memory of their brief but meaningful romance remained a significant part of her life.
A legendary pop star of the 1960s, she transitioned to film after her musical success but soon realized that acting wasn’t her passion. Though she starred in a handful of movies, by the time she filmed When the Boys Meet the Girls in 1965, she was ready to leave Hollywood behind. “I just didn’t feel comfortable,” she said, relieved that it would be her last film.
After her relationship with the musician she loved ended, she continued her search for love. She was romantically linked to comedian Don Rickles and formed a close friendship with singer Frank Sinatra. Despite her fame, personal happiness seemed elusive—she married and divorced four times, with her third marriage, to Joseph Garzilli, lasting the longest. During this marriage, she adopted a child, but her life took a dark turn after a traumatic attack in 1974, when she was assaulted by a man who broke into her motel room. The incident led her into a deep depression and a dependence on medication, driving her into seclusion for seven years.
In 1977, a medical issue that affected her singing prompted her to undergo nasal surgery, but multiple procedures left her unable to sing for four years. Just as she was beginning to rebuild her life and career, tragedy struck again. Her younger brother, George A. Franconero, was murdered in a mob-related hit, adding to the string of personal losses that shaped her life.
She later recounted her story in her 2017 memoir, Among My Souvenirs, detailing her highs and lows. In 2022, she lost Tony Ferretti, her companion of 18 years, with whom she had shared both life and music.
At 85, she remains reflective about her journey, saying she hopes to be remembered for not just her accomplishments, but the resilience she showed through adversity. Now living in Florida, she celebrates her legacy with humility, still proud of her career, but even more so of the strength it took to survive life’s darkest moments.
We think Connie Francis did better than okay! She’s had such a tragic life and wanting to help others who have been assaulted, she found some solace in becoming an advocate for mental health.
Tell us what you think of Connie Francis and her life!
