Zendaya Mourns Ronnie Spector Ahead of Biopic Portrayal: "I Hope to Make You Proud"

Following the news of rock 'n' roll icon Ronnie Spector's death, Zendaya is paying tribute to her career with a touching Instagram post. "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," the Euphoria star wrote in a caption on Thursday. "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 honours of my life."

Zendaya went on to thank Ronnie for "your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace." She continued her post, writing, "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." She concluded saying, "I hope to make you proud."

Ronnie died on 12 Jan. after a brief battle with cancer. She was 78. Zendaya is set to portray Ronnie in an upcoming biopic from A24 that will follow the rockstar's early career, focusing on the formation of The Ronettes group and their signing to Phil Spector's Philles Records. Before her death, Ronnie handselected Zendaya to play her in the film. She was also on board as an executive producer alongside the 25-year-old actor and her manager, Jonathan Greenfield.