Ronnie Spector, the founder of the 1960’s group The Ronettes , has died at the age of 78 after a brief battle with cancer.
The singer will always be remembered for the hit singles Be My Baby, and Baby, I Love You. She passed away surrounded by her family and husband Jonathan yesterday morning.
The family has released a short statement on her passing saying :
"Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer. 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. 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."
This past Christmas saw Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You holding atop the Hot 100, but coming in the top 10 for the first time since Be My Baby in 1963, and ending a record 58-year, two-month break from the bracket was the Ronnettes Sleigh Ride.
The great news was one of Ronnie’s last posts on Twitter.
Wow we are finally back in the Top Ten after 58 years….did you miss us? #Sleighride #TheRonettes #Ronettes #Happyholidays #Recordbreaking #Wintertime #RonnieandtheRonettes pic.twitter.com/otvxpr8mlm
— Ronnie Spector (@RonnieSpectorGS) December 29, 2021
May you RIP Ronnie Spector