Fleetwood Mac singer Christine McVie has died

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Christine McVie

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Christine McVie, the British-born singer, songwriter and keyboardist for the band Fleetwood Mac, has died aged 79.

With her cool, soulful alto voice, she has shaped classics like "You Make Loving Fun", "Everywhere" and "Don't Stop".

Her death was announced on the band's social media accounts.

No cause of death or other details were released, but a family statement said she passed away peacefully at the hospital this morning surrounded by her family after a "brief illness."

"She was truly one of a kind, special and talented beyond measure," the band said in a statement.

Christine McVie was a fixture in a band known for their frequent line-up changes and volatile personalities, particularly fellow singer-songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

Processed own fights in songs

During their commercial peak years from 1975 to 1980, the band sold millions of records and never ceased to fascinate their fans by turning personal struggles of the band members into melodic, captivating songs.

McVie himself was married to bassist John McVie, and their split—as well as Nicks and Buckingham's—was documented on 1977's Rumors, one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Fleetwood Mac, co-founded by drummer Mick Fleetwood in 1967, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

The group's many other hit singles include "Dreams," "Go Your Own Way," and "Little Lies."

czl/dpa