Roxette vocalist Marie Fredriksson has died at the age of 61
Swedish singer Marie Fredriksson, best known as one half of the pop duo Roxette, has died “following a 17-year long battle with cancer,” her manager has announced.
Formed in 1986 by Fredriksson and Per Gessle, Roxette went on to become one of Sweden’s biggest bands, selling an incredible 75 million records worldwide. The group’s major hits include ‘Listen to Your Heart,’ ‘It Must Have Been Love’ and ‘The Look.’
Bandmate Gessle said “things will never be the same” after Fredriksson’s death.
“Thank you, Marie, thanks for everything,” he added. “You were an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer. Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colours.”
Rest in peace, Marie Fredriksson. Amazing singer, both with Roxette and solo.
— Sweden.se (@swedense) December 10, 2019
Stunned Roxette fans have been expressing their sorrow and shock at hearing of Fredriksson’s death by sharing their favorite songs by the band on Twitter.
“An endless talent,” one wrote of the vocalist, while others simply posted “Thank you for the music.”
I am absolutely devastated. My obsession for almost 30 years, Marie Fredriksson has lost her battle with cancer. Heartbroken doesn’t even cover it. R.I.P Marie, I love you and always will 😢😢😢😢😢😢See you on the other side pic.twitter.com/nuS5CqGfnY
— Amanda (@SkullyRox) December 10, 2019
After all Marie Fredriksson lived over 17 year after getting her death sentence from her brain tumor. Did two world tours after that and one solo tour. This woman will forever be my inspiration and my favorite person. Thank you for everything.#MarieFredriksson#Roxettepic.twitter.com/NKo68LhA9K
— izabelle (@meredithsgrwy) December 10, 2019
Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002 and successfully underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but reportedly suffered ongoing health problems after the cancer treatment. The band took a hiatus to allow her time to recover, but reformed in 2009 and held a series of concerts worldwide in the following years.
In a statement, her manager wrote that “by 2016, the show was finally over when Marie's doctors advised her to stop touring and focus on her health.”
The singer is survived by her husband and two children.
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