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(CNN) - Singer Marie Fredriksson died Monday after a 17-year battle against cancer, her manager's company confirmed.
The 61-year-old artist was a successful solo artist in her native Sweden before joining Per Gessle to form Roxette, the act that reached worldwide fame.
The duo's first single was "The Look", reaching number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100 list in 1989.
Another single, "It Must Have Been Love," became a huge success after appearing in the soundtrack of the 1990 romantic comedy "Pretty Woman," starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
Roxette toured extensively, with Fredriksson gaining recognition as a talented live artist.
In 2002, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, from which she recovered after aggressive treatment.
In 2009, Roxette was performing again, and even made several more albums.
But by 2016, doctors had advised Fredriksson to stop traveling to prioritize his health.
“Marie leaves us a great musical legacy. His incredible voice, both strong and sensitive, and his magical live performances will be remembered by all of us who were lucky enough to witness them, ”said Dimberg Jernberg Management in a statement.
"But we also remember a wonderful person with a great appetite for life, and a woman with a big heart who cared for everyone she knew."
Former band mate Gessle issued a statement recalling Fredriksson as "outstanding music, a voice teacher, an amazing artist."
They were friends for more than 40 years, Gessle said.
"I am proud, honored and happy to have been able to share much of his time, talent, warmth, generosity and sense of humor," he wrote.
“All my love is with her and her family. Things will never be the same. ”
Roxette
