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The world is grieving the loss of Connie Francis, the legendary pop singer who passed away on July 17, 2025, at 87 years old. Her musical legacy, with timeless hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Pretty Little Baby,” will continue to resonate. Beyond her music, her personal journey was marked by thrilling love, significant sorrows, and an unbreakable bond with her only son, Joseph Garzilli Jr.
As admirers honor her incredible career, they are also reflecting on her complex family dynamics, which included turbulent marriages, an unfulfilled romance, and the deep joy her son brought her.
Connie Francis’ Early Romance: A Love Story Gone Awry
Before Connie Francis found fame, the young singer fell deeply in love with fellow artist Bobby Darin. In the mid-1950s, their paths crossed during musical pursuits, and they harbored dreams of escaping together. Unfortunately, her father, George Franconero, intervened dramatically to separate them, reportedly chasing Darin with a firearm to halt their relationship.
Connie later described Darin as “the most interesting human being I’ve ever met” and acknowledged, “I let my father influence me too much.” The heartbreak lingered for years, especially after Darin passed away too soon in 1973, leaving their love story forever unresolved.
‘Pretty Little Baby’ singer Connie Francis has passed away at the age of 87. pic.twitter.com/hF7p4OVSrl
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 17, 2025
Her Four Marriages: Brief Unions but a Lasting Impact
Connie Francis tied the knot four times, but none of those marriages lasted:
- Dick Kanellis (1964) – A press agent, their marriage was short-lived, ending in just five months.
- Izzy Marion (1971) – A salon owner, this bond lasted only 10 months.
- Joseph Garzilli (1973-1980) – Her longest marriage, which lasted seven years and included the adoption of her son, Joseph Garzilli Jr.
- Bob Parkinson (1985) – A TV producer, this relationship ended after a mere nine months.
Even with the fleeting nature of her marriages, Connie famously said that only Garzilli was “worth the trouble.”
Meet Joseph Garzilli Jr.: Connie’s Son and Greatest Joy
In 1974, during one of the toughest moments in her life, Connie received a life-changing letter from a fan offering her the chance to adopt a baby boy. Just hours before a tragic assault in a hotel room, she’d enthusiastically called her lawyer to kick off the adoption process.
The early days of bonding were challenging due to the trauma she experienced.
“I had to hire someone to care for my baby,”
she admitted. However, six months later, she officially adopted Joseph Jr., who became her rock through more tragedies, including the murder of her brother and her own battles with mental health.
In 2024, Connie celebrated Joseph’s 50th birthday with a touching Facebook post, sharing photos from their reunion, and saying,
“It was a happy visit from start to finish.”
A Life of Resilience: How Family Defined Connie’s Legacy
Connie Francis endured unspeakable pain—trauma, loss, misdiagnosis, and career bumps. Yet, through it all, her son was her unwavering support.
“My child was my only source of happiness,”
she shared with The New York Times.
Her journey is one of resilience in the face of adversity a powerful reminder of love’s strength, even in the darkest times.
