DALLAS, TX.- The personal property of Connie Francis — America's first female pop icon — will be offered in a special auction at Heritage Auctions Oct. 1 in Beverly Hills, California. For the first time, Francis is opening her treasure trove of hundreds of iconic gowns, awards, and even personal love letters between her and famed singer/songwriter Bobby Darin (est. $8,000) to fans all over the world.

Known for her chart topping hits "Who's Sorry Now," "Where The Boys Are" and "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," Francis' fame through the 1950s and 1960s is a quintessential American success story and a fixture of music history. A Certificate of Authenticity signed by Francis herself will accompany all items.

"I want to share these special mementos with my fans all over the world," Francis said. "These are deeply personal items and I can't think of anyone else who would enjoy them more than those who appreciated my music for nearly 60 years."

The Connie Francis Collection includes her stunning 13.04 carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring accented by full-cut diamonds weighing approximately 5.80 carats (est. $30,000). It also offers one-of-a-kind keepsakes such as the iconic Bomber Jacket Francis Wore While Entertaining Troops in Vietnam (est. $10,000).

Perhaps the most intimate of all prized possessions is the 1956 Love Letter Francis Received from Bobby Darin, who started his career as a songwriter for Francis. Darin writes "I'm M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E, so damned unhappy & miserable without you, that I feel the lump inside like the one you get when you're going to/ cry."

A large selection of awards earned over her 50-year career will be offered, such as 18 karat gold German Bravo/Otto Awards from 1962, 1963 and 1964 (est. $6,000 each); her cherished 1961 American Bandstand Awards presented to her by personal friend Dick Clark between 1958 through 1962 ($4,000 each) and an MGM Gold Record for "Whose Sorry Now" (est. $2,000).

A large ensemble from her classic wardrobe offers a Brown Sable Fur Stole (est. $6,000), a Christian Dior Red Fox Fur Coat (est. $5,000), and a stunning Evening Gown Worn Onstage at The London Palladium (est. $4,000).

Additional highlights include but are not limited to:

· Francis' Fancy Evening Clutch Purse by Judith Leiber (est. $2,000)

· A Group of 'Presidential' Items, 1960s-2000s — spanning four U.S. Presidents (est. $2,000_

· A Comprehensive Collection of Music Scores from Her Many World Tours (est. $2,000)

· A museum-worthy Group of Music Scores from Her Huge Hit Songs "Where The Boys Are" and "Who's Sorry Now," from 1958 (est. $2,000)