Fleetwood Mac singer, keyboardist Christine McVie dead at age 79
Fleetwood Mac co-vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie died Wednesday at age 79 from a “short illness.”
“There are no words to describe the sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” the band wrote in a statement on Twitter Wednesday.
“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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
McVie’s official cause of death has not yet been disclosed. However, her family noted in a separate statement posted on the late singer’s Instagram that she succumbed to a “short illness.”
“On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death,” the statement read. “She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness.”
The family added, “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.”
McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, three years after the group formed in London in 1967.
The popular British-American rock band also consisted of musician Mick Fleetwood, singer Stevie Nicks, lead guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, and Christine’s ex-husband, bass guitarist John Graham McVie.
The former couple were married from 1968 to 1976. Christine then went on to marry Portuguese keyboardist and songwriter Eddy Quintela from 1986 to 2003.
Despite the McVies parting ways personally, they continued to perform professionally for years. However, in 1998, Christine decided to quit the band.
She later revealed in an interview on the “Today” show with Carson Daly that she left because she “had a fear of flying” and “hadn’t flown for 15 years.”
However, Christine rejoined the group in 2014 after 15 years.
Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. One of their best-selling albums was 1977’s “Rumours,” which included hits like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way.”