Zendaya pays emotional tribute to ‘true rockstar’ Ronnie Spector and reveals their close bond

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Zendaya has written a touching tribute to the music icon Ronnie Spector, who passed away earlier this week (12 January) after a battle with cancer.

The Euphoria star took to Instagram to express her feelings: “This news just breaks my heart. To speak about her as if she’s not with us feels strange as she is so incredibly full of life.”

Zendaya will play Ronnie Spector in the upcoming biopic, Be My Baby, produced by A24.

In her post, the Emmy-winning actor reminisced about her memories of the late singer, writing: “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.”

Sharing a polaroid of them together, Zendaya praised Ronnie Spector for being an inspiration.

“Thank you for your unmeasured talent, your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace,” she wrote.

“There is absolutely nothing that could dim the light you cast.

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“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.”

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Ronnie Spector was a founding member of the girl group, The Ronettes. Known as “the original bad girl of rock’n’roll”, she inspired musicians from Bruce Springsteen to Amy Winehouse.

Spector was open about her struggles, including an abusive marriage and a battle with alcoholism. In her 1990 memoir, Be My Baby – the basis for Zendaya’s film – she described her abusive marriage to Phil Spector, including how he kept her locked in their home, threatened to kill her, and how she eventually was forced to escape, barefoot.

He was later convicted of the murder of actor Lana Clarkson.

In the past, Ronnie Spector has also spoken out about her support for the LGBT+ community. In 2021, she took to Twitter to celebrate Pride Month, writing: “The first fans The Ronettes had were Gay. I guess they liked us cause were outsiders, different. They supported us from the beginning and still do. Love your Gay brothers and sisters, and your neighbors.”

Happy Pride Month! Beside my family, the first fans The Ronettes had were Gay. I guess they liked us cause were outsiders, different. They supported us from the beginning and still do. Love your Gay brothers and sisters, and your neighbors. #Pride #Pridemonth #Love pic.twitter.com/wXmYlrH9US

— Ronnie Spector (@RonnieSpectorGS) June 27, 2021