Nedra Talley Ross, Last Ronettes Founder, Dies at 80

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving founding member of the influential 1960s girl group The Ronettes, died Sunday morning at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was 80 years old.

Her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, announced the death on Facebook, writing that her mother passed away at approximately 8:30 a.m. "She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord," the post stated. The Ronettes' official Facebook page confirmed the news later that day, describing Ross as "a light to those who knew and loved her." The statement added, "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. Rest peacefully dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic."

No cause of death was disclosed. Ross is survived by her four children from her 56-year marriage to Scott Ross, a former interviewer for The 700 Club, who died in 2023. She had worked in real estate in Virginia Beach in her later years and released a solo contemporary Christian music album in 1978.