Singer Ronnie Spector - who fronted the 1960s girl group The Ronettes - has died aged 78.
The pop star was renowned for her iconic beehive hairdo and trailblazing hits including 'Be My Baby', 'Baby I Love You', and 'Walking in the Rain'.
In a statement posted to her website, family members confirmed that Spector had passed away.
"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."
"Her joyful sound, playful nature, and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her," the statement concluded.
Born in 1943 as Veronica Yvette Bennett, Spector grew up in Manhattan with her African-American-Cherokee mother and Irish-American father.
She formed The Ronettes with her older sister and cousin when she was just 18, and it wasn't long before the trio shot to stardom.
While performing in local New York clubs, the group caught the eye of record producer Phil Spector, who became their manager and, in 1968, Spector's husband.
Under his tutelage, the group skyrocketed to international fame with their countless smash hits.
However, Spector's marriage to the record producer was less felicitous. In her memoir, she wrote that he was violently abusive, and even kept a coffin in their basement to remind her he would kill her if she left him.
In 1972 - after enduring six years of marriage and adopting three children with Spector - the singer escaped their house barefoot. The Ronette's later sued him for unpaid royalties, and he died in prison while serving a murder sentence in 2021.
After she left Spector, the singer went on to record a cover of Billy Joel's 'Say Goodbye to Hollywood' with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.
Then in 1986, she found a new generation of fans when she contributed vocals to Eddie Money's 'Take Me Home Tonight'.
Despite only releasing one studio album - 1964's Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica - The Ronette's are credited with influencing artists from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles. In 2007, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, their bad-girl personas - which broke ranks with the conservative female music groups of their day - paved the way for future girl bands and artists.
Spector released her final album - a collection of covers titled English Heart - in 2016.
She is survived by her second husband and manager Jonathan Greenfield and their two sons.
Our thoughts are with Spector's family, friends, and fans at this time.