Zendaya pays tribute to Ronnie Spector: 'Thank you for sharing your life with me'
The Ronettes star Ronnie Spector died Wednesday (Jan. 12) "after a brief battle with cancer," as confirmed by her family and relayed by The Associated Press. The singer and songwriter was 78 years old.
Zendaya paid tribute to Spector today:
"This news just breaks my heart," the Emmy-winning Euphoria star wrote. "To speak about her as if she’s not with us feels strange as she is so incredibly full of life. There’s not a time I saw her without her iconic red lips and full teased hair, a true rockstar through and through. Ronnie, being able to know you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours. Thank you for your unmeasured talent, your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace."
"There is absolutely nothing that could dim the light you cast," she continued. "I admire you so much and am so grateful for the bond we share. You are a magical force of greatness and the world of music will never be the same. I wish everyone got to experience you the way I did. We celebrate your beautiful life and give you all the flowers you so rightfully deserve. Rest in great power Ronnie. I hope to make you proud."
Zendaya, 25, has been attached to portray Spector in a forthcoming A24 biopic adapted from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee's memoir Be My Baby.
"Much the way that Aretha Franklin personally endorsed Jennifer Hudson to play her in the upcoming MGM biopic Respect, Spector chose Zendaya as the actress she wished to portray her in her early years," Deadline exclusively reported in September 2020.
Spector (born Veronica Bennett) was first married to producer Phil Spector from 1968 to 1974 before marrying her manager, Jonathan Greenfield, in 1982, and remained with him until her death.
Read her obituary here.
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