‘Pretty Little Baby’ Singer Connie Francis’ Friend Reveals Why They Were ‘Expecting’ Her Passing

Connie Francis‘ recent death at age 87 did not come as a shock to her inner circle.

“We were expecting it, unfortunately,” the “Pretty Little Baby” singer’s friend, Ron Roberts told People in an article posted on Thursday, July 17.  “[Doctors] couldn’t locate where the pain was exactly.” Roberts — who is also the president of Francis’ record label, Concetta Records — added  that the 1960s pop star thought it was a problem with her hip “that she’d been having for some time.”

In the weeks prior to her death, Francis shared multiple health updates on her Facebook account.

On June 25, she told her fans that doctors believed they’d found the source of her discomfort but would need to cancel her appearance on  Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow‘s radio show.

“I have undergone tests to determine the cause of pelvic pain on my rigft [sic] side and have been advised that this is due to a fracture,” she posted on the platform.

“It looks like I may have to rely on my wheelchair a little longer than anticipated,” she added. “Sorry Cousin Brucie that I won’t be able to make it for your show on Saturday.”

But on July 2, the “Stupid Cupid” singer revealed she had been hospitalized once again for ongoing issues.

“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,” Francis wrote on the app.

“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,” she continued. “Sadly, I had to let him know that I again had to withdraw.”

However, Francis seemed to be on the mend as she shared an update to her account later that day.

“I am pleased to advise that following a series of tests and examinations in Intensive Care, I have now been transferred to a private room,” she explained. “Thank you all for your kind thoughts, words and prayers. They mean so much!”

Sadly, on July 17, Roberts took to Facebook to relay the heartbreaking news that Francis had died.

“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 posted. “I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news. More details will follow later.”

Before her death, Francis experienced a revival in her stardom after her track “Pretty Little Baby,” which was originally released in 1962, went viral on TikTok this year.

Roberts also told People that Francis would be “smiling” at the fact that she “left this world as big a star.”