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Ronnie Spector, Legendary ‘Be My Baby’ Singer, Dead At 78

The former lead singer of the Ronettes had been battling cancer.

Ronnie Spector, the ex-wife of Phil Spector and lead singer of the girl group the Ronettes, has passed away at 78 years old.

According to the Associated Press, Spector passed away on Jan. 12 after fighting cancer. Her family said in a statement, “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."

As lead singer of The Ronettes, the New York City native was known for the pop classics "Be My Baby" (1963), "Baby, I Love You" (1963), "The Best Part of Breakin' Up" (1964) and "Walking in the Rain" (1964).

The group disbanded in 1967.

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Ronnie Spector married famed producer Phil Specter in 1968. After years of abuse, which she detailed in her 1990 autobiography Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts And Madness, they divorced in 1974.

Phil Spector died last January at the age of 81.

Nedra Talley, Ronnie’s cousin, is now the last surviving member of The Ronettes.  Estelle Bennett, the other member of The Ronettes and Spector’s sister, died in 2009 at 67 years old.

According to the Associated Press, Ronnie Spector is survived by her husband, Jonathan Greenfield, and two sons, Jason and Austin.

Below are just a few of the highlights from her illustrious career with The Ronettes.

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