Roxette lead singer Marie Fredriksson dies at 61

Marie Fredriksson of pop band Roxette during a concert in Sweden July 18,2015. Photo: Reuters

Lead singer of Roxette, Marie Fredriksson, has died after a 17-year-long battle with cancer. She was 61.

Swedish newspaper Expressen published a statement from her family saying ‘It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artistes is gone.’

Her agency, Dimberg Jernberg Management, later released a statement saying: ‘Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy. Her amazing voice – both strong and sensitive – and her magical live performances will be remembered by all of us who was lucky enough to witness them.

Fredriksson's Roxette bandmate Per Gessle tweeted: "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."

Fredriksson and Gessle formed Roxette in 1986, and became globally successful with their breakthrough second album Look Sharp! in 1988, which contained hits such as Listen To Your Heart, Dressed For Success, The Look and Dangerous. They also released other hits such as It Must Have Been Love, from the Pretty Woman soundtrack, and Joyride.

Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002. She leaves behind husband, Mikael Bolyos, and two children, Josefin and Oscar.

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. pic.twitter.com/CTegAUGrXG

— Per Gessle (@PartyPleaser) December 10,2019