Roxette star Marie Fredriksson dies aged 61 after a 17-year battle with brain cancer
- The Swedish star formed pop duo Roxette with Per Gessie in 1986
- Marie is survived by husband Mikael Bolyos and their two children, daughter Inez Josefin, 26, and son Oscar, 23
- In 2002, Marie collapsed and suffered a seizure while out jogging with her husband and a brain tumour was detected
- Marie was sadly left blind in one eye and with limited hearing following months of radiation and chemo and was unable to speak for months afterwards
- In 2005, Marie said she was feeling healthy and no longer required treatment
- Three years ago, Marie retired from touring following doctors orders and said it’s been an amazing 30 years! I feel nothing but joy and happiness when I look back’
Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has died aged 61 after a 17-year battle with cancer.
The Swedish pop star, whose most iconic hits included It Must Have Been Love and Listen To Your Heart, passed away on Monday.
The musician retired from touring three years ago on doctor’s orders, and is survived by husband Mikael Bolyos and their two children, daughter Inez Josefin, 26, and son Oscar, 23.
Roxette star dead aged 61: It Must Have Been Love singer Marie Fredriksson passed away on Monday following a long illness (pictured in 2015)
Sad: The star, who made up Roxette with bandmate Per Gessie in 1986, passed away on Monday (pictured in 1990)
A statement released by her management said : ‘Marie Fredriksson is most mourned by her husband Mikael Bolyos and their two children.
‘It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone.
‘Marie Fredriksson died on the morning of December 9 in the suites of her previous illness,’ the family wrote in a statement.’
Her family added that Marie ‘will be buried in silence with only the closest family present.’
In 2002, Marie collapsed and suffered a seizure while out jogging with her husband and a brain tumour was detected.
She had surgery to remove the tumour and completed months of chemotherapy and radiation.
Brave: Marie pictured with Per Gessie in 1990 had undergone gruelling treatment after being diagnosed with a brain tumour back in 2002
She was left blind in one eye and with limited hearing and was unable to speak for months afterwards.
In 2005, Marie said: ‘It’s been three very difficult years, I’m healthy. I’m not receiving treatment any more.’
In 2016, she announced that she would no longer touring. A Facebook post read: ‘Roxette were supposed to start the last leg of their massive RoXXXette 30th Anniversary Tour on June 3rd.
Proud and grateful: Marie announced that her touring days were over back in 2016 following advice from doctors, but her words spoke of joy, happiness and gratitude
‘However, singer Marie Fredriksson has been advised by her doctors to refrain from touring and as a consequence all the summer shows are cancelled.
‘Their last performance was to be at the Grand Arena in Cape Town, South Africa on February 8 earlier this year. ‘
Marie wrote underneath: ‘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.
‘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!’
Strong: In 2005, Marie said: ‘It’s been three very difficult years, I’m healthy. I’m not receiving treatment any more.’ (pictured in 2015 on stage at the o2 arena)
