Marie Fredriksson of Roxette has died following a 17-year battle with cancer. She was 61.
Fredriksson passed away on Monday (December 9), Dimberg Jernberg Management announced “with great sadness”.
Following a solo career, Fredriksson teamed up with Per Gessle to form Roxette in 1986. They went on to achieve global success and 80 million sales. Top 10 UK singles included The Look, Joyride and It Must Have Been Love.
In 2002, Fredriksson was diagnosed with a severe brain tumour. By 2009 she was able to start a gradual return to performing, though she was unable to take part in touring after 2016.
“Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy,” said the management company in a statement. “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. 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.”
Per Gessle said: “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 in the most beautiful colours. You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years. I’m proud, honoured and happy to have been able to share so much of your time, talent, warmth, generosity and sense of humour. All my love goes out to you and your family. Things will never be the same.”
Jonas Siljemark, president, Warner Music Nordics, said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Marie Frederiksson. She was an amazing artist who touched the lives of people around the world and leaves behind an incredible musical legacy. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
She leaves a husband, Mikael Bolyos, and two children, Josefin and Oscar.
