Marie Fredriksson, one half of pop rock duo Roxette, has passed away following a 17-year battle with brain cancer. She was 61 years old.
In a statement, former bandmate Per Gessle said: “Marie was an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer.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. Things will never be the same”.
Roxette are Sweden’s second-best-selling music act after ABBA.
Formed in 1986, the duo sold more than 75 million records around the world and scoring 19 top 40 hits. Ten studio albums were released during their 30 years of career. Songs like “It must have been love”, “The look”, “Joyride” and “Listen to your heart” are unforgettable hits.
In 2002, Marie’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery to remove the tumour left her blind in one eye, caused a loss of hearing and left her unable to speak for months.
However, Fredriksson returned to give us new music and live shows for some years.
By 2016, Marie was forced to give up music completely. Roxette singer leaves behind her husband Mikael Bolyos and their two children, Inez Josefin and Oscar.
