Singer Marie Fredriksson, singer of the pop duo Roxette, passed away on December 9 at the age of 61, following a 17-year battle with cancer.
Fredriksson, alongside musician Per Gessle from the Swedish band, found international success in the ’80s with songs like “Listen to Your Heart,” “It Must Have Been Love” and The Look.”
“This unique artistry and energy helped to create a lasting bond between her and millions of passionate fans around the globe,” read a statement by Dimberg Jernberg Management about the artist’s passing.
The singer was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor in 2002, which was successfully treated, the Roxette singer then went back on tour with Gessle in 2009. By 2016, doctors advised Fredriksson to stop touring because of her declining health.
“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,” the statement continued. “But we also remember a wonderful person with a huge appetite for life, and woman with a very big heart who cared for everybody she met.”
Gessle said in a statement about his former bandmate, “Time goes by so quickly. It’s not that long ago we spent days and nights in my tiny apartment in Halmstad, listening to music we loved, sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share!”
“Thank you, Marie, thanks for everything. You were an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer,” he continued. “Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colours. You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years.”
“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,” he concluded his statement.
Fredriksson is survived by her husband Mikael Bolyos and her two children Josefin and Oscar.