At 86, Music Icon Connie Francis Still Gets Glammed Up For Occasions & Shows Off Her Gorgeous Home

Aug 18, 2023

Connie Francis has been living a wonderful life after working in the music industry for decades. Being a female musician during her prime years was not easy, but she was able to break boundaries and records thanks to her undeniable talent.

Dubbed as the “First Lady of Rock & Roll,” the famed songstress also made history after becoming the first woman to have a No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. 

Despite being immensely popular during her time, Francis appeared to have stepped out of the limelight during the 21st century, which led countless fans to wonder what had happened to her.

Before diving into the life of the singer after turning 86 in 2023, let’s take a look at her wonderful life and colorful career.

Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on Dec. 12, 1937, the musician grew up in the neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey. Her childhood was filled with different cultural experiences as her family has an Italian-American background, and the area where she was brought up was composed of Italian-Jewish residents.

According to her autobiography titled "Who's Sorry Now?" published in 1985, Francis opened up about how her father became a big influence on her background in performing as he encouraged her to join pageants and talent shows since she was a little girl.

During the early days of her career in the 1950s, the musician started as a singer on demo records. After working on her first job, Francis finally struck a recording contract with MGM Records. 

Unfortunately, things weren’t easy at first as her debut single, “Freddy,” was a commercial failure, as well as the succeeding singles she released under the company.

After Francis attempted to become a famous singer under her label, the company informed her that they would not renew her contract at the time after her final solo single.

At that moment, Francis almost gave up and considered switching career paths as she was offered a four-year scholarship at New York University to take up medicine.

Finally, in 1957, she decided to give the song “Who’s Sorry Now?” a shot. Initially, she was hesitant to record the track, but her father saw its potential because it was a song that a lot of people knew at the time, and he believed that teenagers would enjoy it if it had a contemporary arrangement.

Little did Francis know that the song would make her a big star, and it changed her life forever.

Even though she was able to have a massive career throughout her time in the industry, there was a period in her life in which some would consider the lowest. During the 1970s and the 1980s, some of the most devastating moments that could happen to a person were experienced by Francis.

According to the Oklahoman, the musician’s brother was killed by mob hit men, she was sexually assaulted, lost a baby due to a miscarriage, and had four failed marriages at the time.

In addition, she was also diagnosed with manic depression.

Despite the negativity surrounding her life, the singer didn’t give up and still found joy in the smallest things.

“I tried to see humor in everything, even when I was in a mental institution. But I have to say the support of the public has also been incredibly uplifting. They saw me through the best and worst of times and never stopped writing from around the world to encourage me,” she told the outlet.

Francis celebrated her 85th birthday in December 2022, and many fans were surprised to see how good she looked at the time years after becoming inactive in the music industry.

The singer took to her official Facebook page to share numerous photos of herself together with some of her closest friends to celebrate the special occasion.

“We held a party at my home on Sunday, the day before my birthday. I think it must have been the largest gathering of lifelong friends and those closest to me,” she wrote in the caption.

In the images shared on the social media platform, Francis, who sported a floral printed kaftan top, could be seen having a great time with friends at her cozy home as she smiled in almost all of the photos.

In one snap, fans were given a glimpse of what appeared to be her fabulous living room decorated with gold detailings, numerous picture frames, and a big pink Christmas tree as her birthday was celebrated a few weeks before Christmas day.

The comment section was filled with love and support from her fans, and there were even users who got nostalgic seeing the musician again in photos.

“Will always remember my teenage years and how I was inspired to sing like you. There is only one 'Connie Francis' and you’ll always be my greatest idol. Many more happy & healthy birthdays,” one greeted.

There were also people who noticed how good she looked, as one user commented, “You look fantastic and your wardrobe is stunning. I always enjoy looking at your party photos. I appreciate you sharing them with us. May the coming year bring you all the blessings and happiness possible.”

Francis has continued to delight fans with updates and photos on her Facebook page. The singing legend has shared various posts alongside photos to mark occasions during which she frequented different restaurants, met up with a few famous friends or even enjoyed a joyful day in her gorgeous home.

In one post, Francis shared photos of herself all glammed up as she headed out for a friend’s birthday celebration in April 2023. The star looked ravishing in a green, gem-colored floor-length gown paired with a white faux fur jacket, dangling earrings and a matching sparkling purse and bracelet. 

“Connie, you are beautiful! I love that you are enjoying life. I have loved you & your music and wanted to be like you since I was a kid. ♥️” one fan commented.

Francis also often posts about her trip to the theater. In one post, she shared photos of her dressed smartly in a sparkly, gray, suit-like ensemble as she prepared to take in a play at a local theater in May 2023.

Besides always being dressed flawlessly for any occasion, Francis is also unafraid to put her best face forward wherever she goes, with her hair always perfectly coiffed and her makeup on point. This was wonderfully demonstrated on a day out with friends in June 2023 to a restaurant by the coast, where she donned a trendy beige top with a matching cardigan. She also took the outfit up a notch with some statement jewelry. Not an inch of her hair was out of place as bright red lipstick and dramatic eye shadow elevated her look.

We couldn’t agree more with one fan, who commented:

“By golly, you are still around & still very lovely! So many of the entertainers I liked have gotten too old or passed on. I really miss that time when your music was on top.”

What do you think about Connie Francis’ looks over the years? Do you think she looks just as great now as in her prime years? Let us know your thoughts, and make sure to pass this on to your friends and family.