Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter, dies aged 79

Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie has died aged 79.

The British musician passed away peacefully in her sleep in hospital while surrounded by family.

“On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness,” the family said in a statement, as per Variety.

“She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie.”

The band have shared a touching tribute on Twitter, paying their respects to their beloved bandmate.

“There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure. She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life,” they tweeted.

“We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed.”

The British-American rock band, founded in London in 1967, with McVie joining as a permanent member in 1971. McVie was behind hits including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don’t Stop, Say You Love Me and Songbird, contributing to the band’s success.

Fleetwood Mac – constisting of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks – have since sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful bands of all time.

“We were having a blast and it felt incredible to us that we were writing those songs,” McVie told The Guardian in June about the band’s heyday.

McVie’s death comes two years after the band’s co-founder and guitarist Peter Green died at the age of 73.

Today Extra entertainment editor Richard Wilkins expressed his condolences on air with Ben Fordham on 2GB this morning .

“She really was the heart and soul of the group and wrote so many of their big hits. Stevie Nick has the soaring voice and Christine just had that beautiful voice,” Wilkins said.

“She never courted the spotlight .. and she was very private. Obviously done pretty well for herself and lived own life. Just a lovely, lovely person. A beautiful soul and a talented singer.”

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