Nedra Talley Ross, Final Founding Member of the Ronettes, Dies at 80

The legendary vocalist, who helped shape the sound of 1960s pop music as part of the iconic girl group, has passed away.

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving original member of the Ronettes, has died at the age of 80. The announcement was made through a statement posted on the group's official Facebook page on April 26, 2026. No specific cause of death was disclosed at the time.

A Legacy Defined by Innovation

The Ronettes, one of the most influential girl groups of the early 1960s, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in recognition of their groundbreaking contributions to popular music. Talley Ross co-founded the group alongside her cousins Ronnie and Estelle.

"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."

Throughout her career with the ensemble, Talley Ross's vocal talents, distinctive artistic vision, and dynamic presence became instrumental in establishing the Ronettes' signature musical style, which left an indelible mark on the evolution of contemporary music during that era.