Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dies aged 61

Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has died after a 17-year battle with cancer. She died on Tuesday at the age of 61.

Fredriksson had been diagnosed in 2002 with a severe brain tumour but went into remission and returned to the studio in 2010.

Six years later, however, her doctors advised her to stop touring and rest.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, teammate Per Gessle wrote: “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. Thanks for painting my black and white songs with the most beautiful colours. You were the most wonderful friend for over forty years. I’m proud, honoured and happy to have been able to share so much of your time, talent, warmth, generosity and your sense of humour. All my love goes out to you and your family. Things will never be the same.”

Fredriksson shot to global fame in the 1990s with hits like It Must Have Been Love.

Roxette, formed in 1986 by Fredriksson and the guitarist Per Gessle, sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

Roxette’s hits included Listen to Your Heart and The Look.

Their ballad It Must Have Been Love featured in the soundtrack of Hollywood rom-com Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.