"There are no words": Fleetwood Mac star dies aged 79
Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie has passed away aged 79 following a short bout of illness, according to the family.
McVie died in hospital and 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, 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."
In the wake of the news, Fleetwood Mac shared a heartfelt tribute and paid their respects to McVie on social media.
"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,” the tweet read.
“She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.
"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 joined Fleetwood Mac as a permanent member in 1971, four years after the British-American rock band was founded in London.
The singer was behind some of the band’s best hits, including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don’t Stop, Say You Love Me and Songbird.
The band, consisting of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, went on to sell more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful bands of all time.
Nicks also took to Instagram with a tribute to her bandmate, sharing a handwritten message.
“A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975 had passed away,” her message began.
“I didn’t even know she was ill… until late Saturday night. I wanted to be in London; 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,” she continued, followed by lyrics of It’s All I Can Do by The Cars.
McVie’s passing comes two years after Peter Green, the band’s co-founder and guitarist, died aged 73.
Image: Instagram