Nedra Talley Ross, Last Surviving Member of 1960s Girl Group The Ronettes, Dies at 80

Talley Ross' daughter, Nedra K. Ross, announced on social media that the singer died early on Sunday, April 26

NEED TO KNOW

• Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the 1960s girl group The Ronettes, died on Sunday, April 26, at the age of 80
• “She was a light to those who knew and loved her,” read a tribute posted on the group’s official social media accounts
• Talley Ross performed in The Ronettes alongside her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has died. The singer, who performed in the group alongside her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett, was 80.

Talley Ross' death was announced via a message on The Ronettes' official social media accounts on Sunday, April 26.

"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 message 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," the message continued. "Her contribution to the group’s story and their defining influence will live forever."

"Rest peacefully, dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic," the message concluded.

Talley Ross' daughter, Nedra K. Ross, also shared the news of her death on Facebook. She said that her mom died on 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. Thank you Lord. There will be a Celebration of Life in the future and I will post information when plans have been confirmed."

Talley Ross, Spector and Bennett first began performing together as teenagers in New York City. The trio frequented the Peppermint Lounge, a local club, where they were eventually discovered by Murray "Murray the K" Kaufman, who hired them as dancers for his Brooklyn Fox Theater rock and roll revues.

Though the group released just one studio album, their popularity was considerable, and they even joined the Beatles on their final world tour in 1966. One of their biggest songs was their recording of "Be My Baby." The group's other hits included "Walking in the Rain," "Baby, I Love You" and "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Ronettes' memorable style — which included their beehive hair — set them apart from other girl groups at the time.

"We wanted to be different because there were all these other girl groups with wide dresses," Spector told PEOPLE in 2018. "When the Supremes came on, they had on gowns. I said, 'Uh uh. That's not our look.' My aunt made us our first outfits, and I told her, 'I don't want anything wide, we want something tight,' because we'd dance."

The group performed live together for the last time in 1966 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Talley Ross went on to work as a solo musician, recording a contemporary Christian album, titled Full Circle, in 1978, as well as several singles.

Spector died from cancer at age 78 in 2022, and Bennett died in 2009 at age 67.

Read the full article here