Tributes poured in from the music world after learning of the death of Ronettes’ lead singer Ronnie Spector.
Spector, 78, died from cancer, according to a statement released on the singer’s website.
“Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer,” the statement read. “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.”
>> Ronnie Spector, lead singer of the Ronettes, dead at 78
Singer Joan Jett, writing on Twitter, called Spector “the sweetest person you could ever know.”
“And her mark on rock ‘n’ roll is indelible,” Jett tweeted.
Our dear friend Ronnie Spector, has passed. She was the sweetest person you could ever know. And her mark on rock and roll is indelible.
— Joan Jett (@joanjett) January 12, 2022
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.#RonnieSpector @RonnieSpectorGS pic.twitter.com/9ozv0Yqk9j
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys said he did not know what to say.
“I loved her voice so much and she was a very special person and a dear friend,” Wilson tweeted. “This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever.”
I just heard the news about Ronnie Spector and I don’t know what to say. I loved her voice so much and she was a very special person and a dear friend. This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever.
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 12, 2022
Love & Mercy, Brianhttps://t.co/dXZKTMWv8a
“So sad to hear about Ronnie,” Wilson’s bandmate, Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine, tweeted.
So sad to hear about Ronnie 😢 #ronniespector https://t.co/oTMZTj7yIT
— Al Jardine (@ALANJARDINE) January 12, 2022
“Peace and love, Ronnie Spector,” Bangles lead singer Susanna Hoffs tweeted.
Peace and Love, Ronnie Spector.💔 pic.twitter.com/QbkuVEgg92
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) January 12, 2022
“It was an honor to produce her and encourage her to get back on stage where she remained for the next 45 years,”Steve Van Zandt tweeted. “Her record with the E Street Band helped sustain us at a very precarious time (thanks to Steve Popovich). Condolences to her husband and family.”
RIP Ronnie Spector. It was an honor to Produce her and encourage her to get back on stage where she remained for the next 45 years. Her record with the E Street Band helped sustain us at a very precarious time (thanks to Steve Popovich). Condolences to her husband and family.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) January 12, 2022
A funky farewell to the fantabulous Ronnie Spector. pic.twitter.com/BdTxXAPZm8
— Dan Epstein (@BigHairPlasGras) January 12, 2022
"Baby, I Love You" by The Ronettes pic.twitter.com/pFKEXV38LH
— William Patrick Corgan (@Billy) January 12, 2022
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