Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has died aged 61 after battling a brain tumour.
Her death was confirmed by the Swedish newspaper Expressen, who published a statement from her family. It read: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone.”
The statement confirmed that Fredriksson died from complications linked to her “previous illness”, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in the past.
Roxette became global stars in the mid-1980s, with a string of instantly recognisable hits such as ‘Listen To Your Heart’ and 1987’s ‘It Must Have Been Love’, which became a massive hit across the world.
The duo later re-recorded it for the soundtrack to the Oscar nominated rom-com Pretty Woman, which starred Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
Paying tribute on Twitter, her bandmate Per Gessle wrote: “Time goes by so quickly. It’s not that long ago we spent days+nights in my tiny apartment sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share!
“I’m honoured to have met your talent+generosity. All my love goes to you+your family. Things will never be the same.”
Blondie drummer Clem Burke also remembered the late star, saying her death is “sad news” while Boy George wrote on Twitter: “Marie Fredriksson from Roxette has died after a battle with cancer. R.I.P and condolences to her family, friends and fans. I hate f******* cancer!!”
Marie Fredriksson from Roxette has died after a battle with cancer. R.I.P and condolences to her family, friends and fans. I hate f******* cancer!!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) December 10, 2019
Sad news today . https://t.co/BGu9LwTqka
— Clem Burke (@clem_burke) December 10, 2019
Fredriksson was first diagnosed with the brain tumour in 2002, and underwent subsequent treatment which left her blind in one eye and with limited hearing.
She returned to the stage for a global comeback tour with Roxette in 2009 before eventually calling it a day in 2016.
Fredriksson said at the time: “It’s been an amazing 30 years! I feel nothing but joy and happiness when I look back on the Roxette world tours. All our shows and memories over the years will forever be a big part of my life.
“I’m particularly proud and grateful for coming back in 2009 after my severe illness and to have been able to take Roxette around the globe a couple of more times,” she added.
“Sadly, now my touring days are over and I want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful fans that has followed us on our long and winding journey. I look forward to the release of our album Good Karma in June — for me it’s our best album ever.”
She is survived by her husband Mikael Bolyos and their two children, daughter Inez Josefin and son Oscar.
