On the morning of July 17, it was reported the pop vocalist Connie Francis passed away July 16 at the age of 87. Though Ms. Francis never had a Broadway credit, she is currently being played on Broadway by another pop-singer-turned-actor: Gracie Lawrence, who received a 2025 Tony Award nomination for her portrayal in the Bobby Darin biomusical Just in Time at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

Just in Time documents the life of 1950s singer Bobby Darin (played by Jonathan Groff) and includes details about his doomed love affair with Francis, and also how Francis came to record the song she is most known for: "Who's Sorry Now." 

At an afternoon public performance in Bryant Park, as part of the free concert series Broadway in Bryant Park, Lawrence paid tribute to the late singer. “Connie Francis said that to know her voice is to know her, so even though I am going to sing a Connie Francis song, I would implore all of you to go and listen to the real thing after. You’ll hear resilience and character and personality and humor and tenderness and strength, you can hear all of that in her voice, which she knew.” She then encouraged the audience to sing along with her rendition of "Who's Sorry Now." See the performance and Lawrence's remarks below.

Just in Time also features another Francis song: "My First Real Love." Francis sent Lawrence a gift for opening night of Just in Time, signaling her approval of the show. Unfortunately, she was unable to see the show before her passing, due to a hip injury, though in an interview with People, she did note her happiness that her music was being discovered by a new generation: "It’s truly awesome. I never thought it was possible. It's a dream come true. To think that kindergarten kids now know my name and my music? It’s just thrilling!”