American singer Ronnie Spector died on Wednesday at the age of 78 following a brief battle with cancer. 

“Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor, and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude,” her family said in a statement.   

Ronnie Spector was the lead singer of the 60s girl group the Ronettes. She sang songs such 1960s hits as “Be My Baby,” “Baby I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain” as the leader of the girl group the Ronettes. 

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Her songs became very popular. Billy Joel wrote “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” in Spector’s honor. Amy Winehouse also cited Spector as an idol on several occasions. Martin Scorsese used “Be My Baby” to open his 1973 film “Mean Streets” and the song appears in the title sequence of “Dirty Dancing” and the closing credits of “Baby Mama.” The song also appeared on TV in “Moonlighting” and “The Wonder Years.”

Her net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. 

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Following her death, several of her fans took to Twitter to offer condolences. 

“Ronnie Spector, the lead singer for ’60s girl group hitmakers The Ronettes, has died at age 78 after being diagnosed with cancer. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, go play “Be My Baby”, “Baby, I Love You” or anything from them realize just how great she was,” one person wrote. 

“She was the epitome of cool. One of the first black girls of rock n roll. We can only aspire to be like her. Rest In Power, Ronnie Spector. You were everything,” wrote another user. 

With inputs from the Associated Press