Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dead at 61

Marie Fredriksson is dead after battling with cancer for 17 years

Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dead at 61
Marie Fredriksson

Singer Marie Fredriksson died Monday after a 17-year battle with cancer, her management company has confirmed.

The 61-year-old was a successful solo artist in her native Sweden before joining with Per Gessle to form Roxette, the act that went on to achieve global fame.

The duo's breakout single was "The Look," reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989.

Another single, "It Must Have Been Love," became a smash hit after featuring 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 performer.

In 2002 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, from which she recovered following aggressive treatment.

By 2009, Roxette were performing again, and even made several more albums.

 

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But by 2016 doctors had advised Fredriksson to stop touring in order to prioritize her health.

"Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy. 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," Dimberg Jernberg Management said in a statement.

Roxette toured extensively, with Fredriksson gaining recognition as a talented live performer.

In 2002 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, from which she recovered following aggressive treatment.

By 2009, Roxette were performing again, and even made several more albums.

But by 2016 doctors had advised Fredriksson to stop touring in order to prioritize her health.

"Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy. 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," Dimberg Jernberg Management said in a statement.

 
CNN