Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac passes away amid health battle

Birmingham, UK - Singer-songwriter Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac has sadly passed away.

Christine McVie (r) has passed away.
Christine McVie (r) has passed away.  © Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire / Steven Ferdman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The news of McVie's passing was confirmed by Fleetwood Mac and McVie's respective social media pages on Wednesday.

She is said to have peacefully passed away at a hospital following a "short illness," and was in the company of her family at the time. She was 79 years old.

McVie, born Christine Perfect, was the longtime co-lead vocalist alongside Stevie Nicks, songwriter, and keyboard player for Fleetwood Mac, which formed in 1967. McVie joined the band in 1970, two years after she and Fleetwood Mac bass player John McVie tied the knot.

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In 1998, she stepped away from the band to pursue other ventures, only to rejoin the music-playing party in 2014.

McVie helped pen a number of the band's most popular songs from their highly successful 1977 album Rumors, including Don’t Stop, You Make Loving Fun, Hold Me, and Over My Head.

Fleetwood Mac's Twitter page featured a heartfelt statement regarding McVie's impact on the wonderful world of music: "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."

In a statement, McVie's family asked for privacy, while adding, "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."

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire / Steven Ferdman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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