Singer Marie Fredriksson Dead at 61

It has been reported that Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has died. Fredricksson’s manager has confirmed the news of her passing away at 61 years old.

The Swedish star achieved global success in the 1990s with hits like Joyride, The Look and It Must Have Been Love, from the film Pretty Woman.

A statement said the singer had died on Monday, 9 December “following a 17-year long battle with cancer”. Fredriksson was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002, after collapsing in her kitchen following a workout. The tumour cost her the vision in her right eye – but after three years of treatment, she returned to public life and toured successfully again with Roxette from 2008 to 2016.

However, the cancer eventually returned: Fredriksson’s family said she had died following a recurrence of “her previous illness” earlier this week.

“You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years,” her bandmate Per Gessle said. “Things will never be the same.. Thank you, Marie, thanks for everything…You were an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer. Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colours. You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years.

“I’m proud, honoured and happy to have been able to share so much of your time, talent, warmth, generosity and sense of humour. All my love goes out to you and your family.”

Our hearts go out to Fredricksson’s family, friends and fans all over the world.