“It Must Have Been Love” singer was 61
Marie Fredriksson, lead singer for pop rock duo Roxette, has died at the age of 61. Fredriksson passed away following a 17 year battle with cancer, her management company has confirmed.
The Swedish musician died Monday, December 9th. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, but received aggressive treatment that was successful until 2016 when Fredriksson was advised by her doctors to stop touring.
Fredriksson was a solo artist before forming Roxette with Per Gessle in 1986. The duo became international sensations with songs such as “The Look,” “Listen To Your Heart,” and “It Must Have Been Love,” which was featured on the Julia Roberts/Richard Gere film soundtrack Pretty Woman.
“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,” Dimberg Jernberg Management says in a statement. “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 shared a tribute on social media, writing, “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.”
He continues, “Thank you, Marie, thanks for everything. You were an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer. Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colours. You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years.”
Fredriksson’s survived by her husband and two children.
