Ronnie’s ex-wife called Phil Spector a worthless husband (Photo: Getty; Rex)
Phil Spector’s ex-wife, Ronnie Spector, has paid tribute to the musician after his death at the age of 81, calling him a lousy husband.
Spector, a convicted murderer, died Sunday after complications from a coronavirus during his 19-year prison sentence.
His ex-wife, singer Ronnie Ronettes, spoke out when the news was announced, saying it was a sad day for music and a sad day for me.
When I worked with Phil Spector and saw him working in the studio, I knew I was working with the best. He had everything under control and led everyone. So much love for those days, she said in a post from Instagram with a photo of them together in the studio.
Thinking back on how their relationship had deteriorated, Ronnie, 77, continued: Going out with him and falling in love was like a fairy tale.
The magical music we were able to create together was inspired by our love. I loved him dearly and gave him my heart and soul. As I often said when he was alive, he was a brilliant producer but a bad husband.
Unfortunately, Phil could not live and work outside the recording studio. Darkness has fallen, many lives have been damaged.
The legendary singer added: I still smile when I hear the music we made together, and I always will. The music will last forever.
However, other celebrities have refused to honor Spector for his conviction for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, whom he shot dead in her California home in 2003.
Country star Margot Price opted for the Ronnie Spector treatment at her wedding instead, tweeting: Congratulations to Ronnie Spector for surviving her manipulative, abusive and murderous husband Phil, who held her hostage in his own home and forbade her to play until she ran away from home barefoot and escaped. If you haven’t read his book yet, it’s one of my favorites.
Ronnie and Spector were married for six years between 1968 and 1974.
In his memoirs, Be My Child: How I Survived Mascara, Mini Skirts and Insanity, or My Life as a Fabulous Ronette, told Ronnie about the abuse she experienced during their relationship.
Ronnie also told Rolling Stone in 2016: Phil] took away my vocals, and it was terrible because I had no idea I would never record it.
Spector died of complications from the coronavirus (Photo: Getty Images)
I had no idea I would never be on stage again, it was my life. It shocked me because here’s the guy who wrote and produced your files…. and then you never sing again I didn’t know what was going on until they took him to jail.
At that moment, I knew what it meant. Because I was locked in a mansion and I couldn’t even get out. I haven’t been anywhere in seven years.
Spector and Ronnie are the parents of three adopted sons: Donte and the twins, Louis and Gary.
Read more: Phil Spector
The music producer was first diagnosed with Covid-19 four weeks ago when he was first admitted to the hospital. He first recovered and was released from the hospital, then became ill again.
After his death, a statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said that Phil Spector died a natural death at the hospital.
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