Last surviving member of legendary girl group the Ronettes, Nedra Talley Ross, dead at 80

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of The Ronettes, has died.

The iconic girl group’s official Facebook page announced the sad news Sunday with a statement on social media.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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,” the statement continues.

“Rest peacefully dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic.”

The cause of death is unclear. She was 80 years old.

Her daughter Nedra K. Ross also posted about her mother’s death on Facebook, sharing that she died Sunday morning.

“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.”

The Ronettes consisted of lead singer Ronnie Spector, her older sister Estelle Bennett, and Talley Ross, who was their cousin.

After signing with Phil Spector’s label, Philles Records, in 1963, they spawned huge hits like 1963’s “Be My Baby” and 1964’s “Baby, I Love You.”

Though they split in 1967 after their popularity declined, their influence in the music industry — from their sound to their fashion — was profound.

“Be My Baby” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Bennett died in February 2009 from colon cancer at 67 years old. Spector also battled cancer and died in January 2022 at the age of 78.

Zendaya is set to play Spector in the upcoming A24 biopic titled “Be My Baby,” which will be directed by “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, Deadline reported in March 2025.

Zendaya paid tribute to Spector after she died, writing on Instagram, “This news just breaks my heart. To speak about her as if she’s not with us feels strange as she is so incredibly full of life.”

“There’s not a time I saw her without her iconic red lips and full teased hair, a true rockstar through and through,” she continued. “Ronnie, being able to know you has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

She added, “Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours. Thank you for your unmeasured talent, your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace.”