As confirmed by her manager, Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has died at the age of 61.
Marie Fredriksson of Roxette has passed away in the morning of December 9, following a 17-year long battle with cancer. It is with great sadness that we say farewell to a music legend and icon.
The Swedish star achieved global success in the 1990s with hits including ‘The Look’, ‘Joyride’ and ‘It Must Have Been Love.’
“You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years,” her bandmate Per Gessle said. “Things will never be the same.”
Listen to ‘Listen To Your Heart’ by Roxette below
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A statement released on the passing of Marie Fredrikkson read:
“In 2002, Marie was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor, receiving an aggressive treatment that took its toll but ultimately was successful. Thanks to her extremely strong fighting spirit, Marie by 2009 was able to start a gradual return to the world’s stages. The unlikely second coming of Roxette resulted in several new albums, and tours that again put the duo in front of screaming, smiling and crying crowds all over the world. During the comeback years Marie was an amazing trooper, overcoming the many rigors of touring in order to meet her fans on stage again and again. But by 2016, the show was finally over when Marie´s doctors advised her to stop touring and focus on her health.
Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy. Her amazing voice – both strong and sensitive – and her magical live performances will be remembered by all of us who was lucky enough to witness them. But we also remember a wonderful person with a huge appetite for life, and woman with a very big heart who cared for everybody she met.”
Listen to ‘It Must Have Been Love’ by Roxette below
Marie Fredriksson’s husband Mikael Bolyos and her two children Josefin and Oscar kindly ask for respect in their grief.
The funeral will take place in silence with only Marie’s closest family present.
