Stevie Nicks shares moving tribute to her 'best friend' Christine McVie - as Fleetwood Mac keyboardist dies at 79: 'See you on the other side, my love'

• Christine McVie, co-lead vocalist and keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac, has died
• McVie's family said she was 'a revered musician who was loved universally' 
• Stevie Nicks wrote a touching handwritten note following the news
• Sheryl Crow, Bette Midler, and Tim Burgess also lead tributes Wednesday 

Stevie Nicks has shared a moving handwritten note to her Fleetwood Mac bandmate Christine McVie, following news that the keyboardist has died aged 79 after a 'short illness.'

In the touching tribute, Nicks, 74, called McVie her 'best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975.' 

McVie famously left Fleetwood Mac after 28 years in 1998 following years of rumored turmoil between band members, but returned in 2014. 

The letter includes quotes from the song Hallelujah by American rock band Haim, which was written following the death of band member Alana Haim's friend, who died in a car accident. 

'A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away,' Nicks began in her note.

'I didn't even know she was ill… until late Saturday night.

She went on: 'I wanted to get to London but we were told to wait. So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around in my head, over and over and over. I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her, and so, I'm singing it to her now.'

Earlier, McVie's family said in a statement she was 'a revered musician who was loved universally' and was surrounded by loved ones when she died.

'She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th following a short illness. 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.'

Her former bandmates said tonight they're devastated by the loss, describing her as 'the best friend anyone could have in their life'.

The British-American rock band was one of the most successful groups of all time, selling 100 million records globally. 

McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1971, and the band achieved even greater popularity with the addition of Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in the mid-1970s.

Podcaster Bill Simmons said: 'RIP Christine McVie - elegant songwriter, unforgettable voice, and a crucial member of one of my favorite bands ever. Songbird stands alone - there's no other song like it. I really liked her. So much drama and dysfunction in that band and she always levitated above it.'

Stevie Nicks' handwritten note to Christine McVie

A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away. I didn’t even know she was ill… until late Saturday night.

I wanted to get to London but we were told to wait. So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around in my head, over and over and over. I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her, and so, I’m singing it to her now.

I always knew I would need these words one day (written by the Ladies Haim). It’s all I can do now…

I had a best friend

But she has come to pass

One I wish I could see now

You always remind me

that memories will last

These arms reach out

You were there to protect me

like a shield

Long hair running with me through the field….

Everywhere, You’ve been with me all along

Why me? How’d I get this hallelujah

Why me? How’d I get this hallelujah –

Why me? How’d I get this hallelujah

See you on the other sides

My Love?

Don’t forget me

Always,

Stevie

 

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American author John Scalzi described McVie as her band's 'secret weapon' and 'a songwriter who, in and out of the band, made pop hits seem effortless'. 

'RIP, you songbird. You made loving fun.'

McVie's local MP, Tim Farron, also shared a statement in the wake of her tragic death, saying Cumbria had 'always been so proud of her'.

'Devastated that Bouth’s very own Christine McVie has passed away. What a wonderful legacy she leaves, with a back catalogue of the finest music. In Cumbria we have always been so proud of her. Much love and sincere sympathy to Christine’s family and friends.' 

Former professional basketball player Rex Chapman shared a video compilation of McVie alongside her famous quote: 'Although it is said that we fought a lot, we actually did spend a lot of our time laughing. There weren't that many fights.'

'Rest in peace,' he added.

Meanwhile, rock musician Sheryl Crow hailed McVie as 'a legend and an icon'.

Sheryl, 60, wrote on Twitter: 'I am so sad to hear of Christine McVie going on to heaven. The world feels weird without her here. What a legend and an icon and an amazing human being. RIP (sic)'

Bette Midler has also taken to the micro-blogging platform to pay her own tribute to the music star.

The 76-year-old singer said: '#ChristineMcVie has left us. What memories, what joy, and what a legacy… (sic)'

Rock band Garbage said they were 'gutted' about the news.

They tweeted from their verified account: 'Gutted to learn about the passing of Christine McVie. Just gutted. Songbird forever. (sic)'

Elsewhere, Tim Burgess - the lead singer of the Charlatans - posted a clip of Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere on social media.

The 55-year-old singer captioned the throwback video: 'ah man, farewell Christine McVie x (sic)'

Alec Baldwin also paid tribute to 'one of my all time favorites' Christine as he posted a photo of the musician to his Instagram account.