Francine Lons, also known by her nickname "Frankie", was an American actress and TV personality. She was the biological mother of Keyshia Cole, an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television producer. The former husband of Keyshia Cole, Daniel Gibson, a former American basketball player was her former son-in-law.
She was the wife of Virgil Hunter, an American boxing coach, from the United States. Many believe that Virgil is the biological father of Francine's daughter Keyshia Cole whom he met in May 2016. But Francine states that Keyshia Cole's actual father was Italian- caucasian guy who died years before.
Francine came into the spotlight after her appearance on the show named “Frankie and Neffe” in the year 2015 alongside her daughter, Keyshia. Moreover, she has also appeared in Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008). She is also known for being outrageous and emotional on her daughter Keyshia’s reality hit “The Way It Is”.
She had also released her first book “The Best Years I Never Had” which was a memoir on her drug addiction, struggles, and fame. She also made several cameos on Cole’s BET mini-series, “Keyshia Cole: My New Life,” in 2019, where they had many intimate conversations, including one about the concept of death.
Francine Lons was born on 18th July 1960 in Oakland, California, the USA. A native of Oakland city, She held American nationality during her lifetime. She was a woman of a mixed ethnic background while her race was black. Her star sign was Cancer. She had kept her faith in Christianity since her childhood.
She lastly celebrated her 61st birthday on 18th July 2021 with her dear ones and her children. She had never talked about her family during her lifetime. Only the fact is known that she had a little brother. But her ancestry root and descendants' origins were from the Caribbean nations or probably African countries due to her dark skin tone.
Furthermore, her educational qualification is unavailable at a moment.
Francine Lons's sexual orientation was straight. Being of straight sexual orientation, she was married to Virgil Hunter, an American boxing coach, from the United States. Many people believed that Vigil Hunder was the biological father of Keyshia Cole. But Virgil Hunter himself has denied the fact.
Francine herself stated that Keyisha’s father was an Italian-Caucasian man who was a restaurateur by profession. Keyshia’s biological father passed away years before and she never saw him. However, Francine had many relationships when she was alive.
Later, Keyshia was adopted by Leon and Yvonne Cole when she was only two. Keyshia got her last name after becoming a part of the Cole family. Keyshia grew up with her three siblings; Naffeteria Pugh, Elite Noel, and Sean Cole.
Francine Lons's net worth was estimated to be around $100K at the time of her death. She had accumulated most of her wealth through her acting career. But she didn't get much popularity in the acting industry and was not earning as her desire and wish.
However, In the latter part of her life, she turned into a fan top pick during Keyshia Cole’s unscripted TV drama, which made the side project series “Frankie and Neffie”. The show became very popular that Francine was able to add a huge amount of money, thus increasing her wealth tremendously.
With the incredible earnings, She was living a cool lifestyle prior to her death. She even brought a luxurious mansion to her hometown Oakland. Additionally, Francine's parents had left her their real estate property in Oakland.
Francine Lons was approximately 5 ft tall and weighed around 40 to 45 Kg. In fact, she had a perfect height that matched her body weight. Also, She had an hourglass body that measured 36-24-34 inches approximately.
She was a woman with a charming smile on her lips with a dark complexion. Her eye color and hair color were both blacks. Moreover, her curly hairstyle used to provide her with elegant looks.
She had maintained her body a lot. She had also inked tattoos on both of her arms which were her distinct body features. During her life story, she had struggled with drugs for over a decade. Due to her heavy involvement with drugs, her body seemed to have no fat.
Francine Lons is reported to have died after allegedly overdosing during her birthday party on Sunday i.e. 18th July 2021 at the age of 61. Her death was reported to the ME’s office at 3 a.m. Monday, a spokesman said. First-class Noel, Cole’s sister reported her passing on Instagram. She posted an Instagram story saying: “Most exceedingly terrible agony ever… To see my mom in a body sack on her birthday! My heart so fu*kin broke.”
The “Love” singer’s brother Sam confirmed the news Monday, telling TMZ that Lons relapsed into drugs at her Oakland, California home while celebrating her 61st birthday. Keyshia’s brother Sam revealed that Francine allegedly overdosed at the recent party and passed away from it.