The Ronettes' last surviving member Nedra Talley Ross dies at age 80

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the Grammy-winning sixties girl group The Ronettes, peacefully died on Sunday morning at age 80.

The Phil Spector protégée's passing was first announced by her daughter Nedra K. Ross.

'At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord,' Nedra wrote on Facebook.

'She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord. There will be a Celebration of Life in the future and I will post information when plans have been confirmed.'

Ross is survived by the four children she welcomed during her 56-year marriage to The 700 Club interviewer Scott Ross (until his death in 2023). 

The Spanish Harlem singer outlived her cousins Veronica 'Ronnie' Spector and Estelle Bennett, who died in 2022 and 2009, respectively. 

A spokesperson for the talented trio also provided 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 post read.

'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.'

Ross last reunited with Spector and Bennett in 2007 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

The Ronettes still pull 11.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify thanks to their lasting hits like Be My Baby, Walking in the Rain and Baby, I Love You. 

But in her later years, the born-again Christian worked in real estate in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

Ross was only 17 years old when she and her cousins signed a contract with producer Phil Spector's Philles Records in 1963 and their careers surged until his lack of promotion allowed Motown trio the Supremes to usurp them in 1965.

The disgraced 'Wall of Sound creator' died, age 81, in 2021 one month after being diagnosed with COVID-19 while serving 19 years to life for the second-degree murder of actress Lana Clarkson at his Alhambra mansion in 2003. 

Last year, two-time Emmy winner Zendaya signed on to star as Ronnie in Barry Jenkins' upcoming biopic on the singer for A24. 

After the Beatles opening act disbanded in 1967, Ross went on to release a solo contemporary Christian album in 1978.

Spector - who was married to Ronnie from 1968-1974 - was ordered by a judge to pay the Ronettes over $2.6 million in their $10 million lawsuit over unpaid royalties and income during their hey-day.

Many artists were inspired by the girl group including the Beach Boys, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and the late Amy Winehouse, whose signature beehive hairdo and eyeliner came from their distinctive look.