The world is grieving the loss of Connie Francis, the legendary pop star who passed away on July 17, 2025, at 87. Her musical heritage, known for timeless hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Pretty Little Baby,” will endure. Yet, her personal life was marked by intense love, significant heartaches, and a profound bond with her only son, Joseph Garzilli Jr.

As admirers honor her extraordinary career, many are also contemplating her intricate family life—tumultuous marriages, an unfulfilled love story, and a son who brought her great happiness.

Connie Francis’ Early Romance: A Love Story Gone Awry

Before rising to fame, a young Connie Francis fell deeply in love with fellow singer Bobby Darin. They met in the mid-1950s while working on music and even planned to elope. However, her father, George Franconero, intervened forcefully to separate them, allegedly pursuing Darin with a gun to end 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.