Marie Fredriksson, the Swedish singer who was part of the pop rock duo Roxette, has died at age 61.
Fredriksson died Monday following a 17-year battle with cancer. Fredriksson was initially diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002. She was able to return to performing with Roxette in 2009 but was advised by her doctors in 2016 to stop touring and focus on her health.
Roxette musician Per Gessle remembered Fredriksson as “an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer” and “the most wonderful friend for over 40 years.” “Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colors,” he said in a statement.
Fredriksson had a successful solo career in Sweden before forming Roxette with Gessle in 1986. The duo’s breakout single, “The Look,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989, and was followed by such singles as “Listen to Your Heart” and “It Must Have Been Love.”
Roxette released their 10th studio album, “Good Karma,” in June 2016.
