Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac fame has died. She was 79 years old.
The band issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon via Twitter to announce the co-vocalist and keyboardist’s passing.
“There are no words to describe the sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” the tweet said. “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.”
“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 statement continued.
While a cause of death has not been revealed, McVie’s family issued a statement to Variety that said she died following a “short illness.”
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family,” the statement said. “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.”
“A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away,” bandmate Stevie Nicks said in a handwritten note posted to Instagram.
She added that one song has been “swirling around” in her head since she found out McVie was sick, quoting the lyrics to HAIM’s “Hallelujah:” “I had a best friend/But she has come to pass.”
McVie was born in England under the name Christine Perfect, which is the name she played under early in her music career. It was only after she married Fleetwood Mac bassist, John McVie, in 1968 that she changed her name and joined his band. She joined the band in 1970. The couple divorced in 1976.
In 1974 she moved the band to the United States and made the decision to bring in both Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, a move that paid off immensely. In 1977, the album “Rumors” became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
McVie voiced and helped pen many of Fleetwood’s biggest hits, including “Everywhere” and “Say You Love Me.”