Christine McVie, the co-vocalist and keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac, died Wednesday at the age of 79 from a “minor illness.” “There are no words to describe the sadness of Christine McVie’s passing,” the band wrote in a statement on Twitter on Wednesday. “He was truly one of a kind, special and talented beyond measure. He was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.”
The statement continued, “We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherish Christine deeply and are grateful for the amazing memories we have. She will be greatly missed.” McVeigh’s official cause of death has not yet been released. However, his family said in a separate statement posted on the late singer’s Instagram that he succumbed to a “minor illness”.
“On behalf of the family of Christine McVie, it is with heavy hearts that we inform you of Christine’s passing,” the statement read. “He died peacefully in hospital on Wednesday morning, 30 November 2022, after a short illness.”
The family added, “He was with his family. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this very painful time, and we want everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and universally beloved musician. Rep. Christine McVie.”
McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, three years after the group formed in London in 1967. The popular British-American rock band also featured musician Mick Fleetwood, singer Stevie Nicks, lead guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, and Christine’s ex-husband, bass guitarist John Graham McVeigh.
The former couple was married from 1968 to 1976. They had no children together. Christine was then married to Portuguese keyboardist and songwriter Eddie Quintela from 1986 to 2003, and they had no children. In a 2013 interview with the Guardian, he said, ” there were no children. The path was always a career.
His melodious vocals underpinned many of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Hold Me,” “Everywhere,” “Little Lies,” and songs that closed many of the band’s concerts, ” Songbird.”
In addition to his decades of success with Fleetwood Mac, McVeigh also cultivated a thriving solo career. Her second solo album, released in 1984, landed her in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Got a Hold on Me,” another of her sweetly sophisticated pop songs.
In 2017, McVie teamed up with Buckingham for the “Lindsay Buckingham/Christine McVie” album, and the pair embarked on a 38-date tour that summer.
