Last Ronette Nedra Talley Ross dies aged 80

Nedra Talley Ross, who with her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett formed the iconic 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has died.

The singer's death was announced by her daughter, Nedra K Ross, in a Facebook post on Sunday. She was 80.

"At approximately 8:30 this morning, our mother, Nedra Talley Ross, went home to be with the Lord," she wrote. "She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you, Lord."

Talley Ross, Bennett and Spector rose to prominence while working with legendary record producer Phil Spector in 1963.

Together, The Ronettes recorded songs including Be My Baby; Baby, I Love You; and Walking in the Rain. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

A tribute posted on the group's official Instagram page noted, "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Nedra Talley Ross' passing. She was a light to those who knew and loved her.

"As a founding member of The Ronettes, along with her beloved cousins Ronnie and Estelle, Nedra's voice, style and spirit helped define a sound that would change music. Her contribution to the group's story and their defining influence will live forever.

"Rest peacefully dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic."

Estelle Bennett died in 2009 at age 67 due to colon cancer. Her sister, Veronica Bennett, known as Ronnie Spector after marrying Phil Spector in 1968, died in January 2022 at age 78 after a battle with cancer.