اخبار العرب من المحيط للخليج

After a battle with cancer, Marie Fredriksson, 61, tragically passed away yesterday. The singer formed Roxette alongside Per Gessle in 1986, going on to create some of the most iconic tracks of the decade including “Listen to Your Heart” and “It Must Have Been Love” which is still recognised over thirty years later as an international Christmas hit. It was also featured as the soundtrack to Pretty Woman.

Her agent Marie Dimberg confirmed in a statement that her death was linked to her previous health battle. She explained: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone. “Marie Fredriksson passed away on the morning of December 9 as a result of her previous illness.” Marie began feeling unwell during a job in 2002 and was diagnosed with a brain tumour by doctors. She was given a 20 per cent chance of survival and managed to recover.

To honour the Swedish singer, Roxette co-star Per Gessle paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “Time goes by so quickly. It’s not that long ago we spent days+nights in my tiny apartment sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share! I’m honoured to have met your talent+generosity. All my love goes to you+your family. Things will never be the same.”