Hey there, let's take a moment to honor a true music legend. Ronnie Spector, the powerhouse voice behind The Ronettes, has left us at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of timeless music and a family that adored her, including her husband, Jonathan, with whom she shared two sons, and three adopted children from her first marriage to the late Phil Spector.
"Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and in the loving arms of her husband, Jonathan," her family shared in a heartfelt statement on January 12, 2022.
"Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a playful attitude, and a sense of humor that could light up any room. She approached life with love and gratitude. Her joyful voice, playful spirit, and magical presence will continue to resonate with everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, hearing her, or seeing her perform," they added.
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Her family kindly requests, "In lieu of flowers, Ronnie asked that donations be directed to your local women’s shelter or the American Indian College Fund." They also mentioned that a celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the near future.
A Life in Music
Ronnie, the voice behind unforgettable 1960s hits like "Be My Baby" and "Walking in the Rain," tied the knot with Phil Spector on April 14, 1968. Their journey together included adopting a son, Donté Phillip Spector. In 1971, Phil surprised Ronnie with a Christmas present she’d never forget—5-year-old twin boys whom they adopted.
Recalling that unforgettable moment in 2018, Ronnie told People, “We were in the car and all of a sudden we pull up to the mansion. There's a fountain and there are these twins running around — these blond-haired, blue-eyed twins. I’m saying, ‘What’s this?’ He said, ‘Merry Christmas!’”
She continued, "He never once asked, 'Ronnie, what do you think about adopting twins?' Not a word! Everything was a surprise, and no woman wants live children as a surprise." The twins, named Gary Phillip and Louis Phillip Spector, were born on May 12, 1966, in Van Nuys, California.
Ronnie's Journey After Phil
Ronnie's relationship with Phil ended dramatically, with the couple splitting in 1972 and finalizing their divorce in 1974. Ronnie alleged that Phil was abusive and kept her confined to their Beverly Hills mansion. He also retained custody of their three adopted sons. Ronnie later expressed, “I have three adopted children with Phil, and for years I was fighting in court with him over being able to see my kids. I was constantly going back and forth to California, going to court, and I was never able to focus on my projects.”
Ronnie found love again with her manager, Jonathan Greenfield, and they married in 1982. Together, they built a beautiful family in Danbury, Connecticut, including two sons, Austin Drew and Jason Charles Greenfield.
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Ronnie's Passion for the Stage
While her children kept a low profile, Ronnie thrived in the spotlight. "There's nothing that excites me more than being on stage, having fun, and interacting with the audience. I just have so much fun. It's an incredible feeling when I go out and they announce, 'Ladies and gentlemen — my heart stops for a minute — Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes!' Then I just step out there, and the crowd reacts in such a way that makes me feel like I could sing forever," she shared with People in 2017.
