Ronnie Spector, the beloved lead singer of The Ronettes, passed away at 78.
In a statement released on Wednesday, her family wrote: “Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer,” the family said. “She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan. Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face.”
Spector was the iconic voice behind many 1960s pop hits, like “Be My Baby,” which Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys has called one of the greatest pop recordings ever produced.
“I just heard the news about Ronnie Spector and I don’t know what to say,” Wilson wrote on Twitter. “I loved her voice so much and she was a very special person and a dear friend. This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever.”
Spector, who had a solo music career since the 1970s, continued to record music and perform well into her 70s.
Her family continued on to say that she “was filled with love and gratitude. Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her. In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requested that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund. A celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the future. The family respectfully asks for privacy at this time.”
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