While her death was yet unknown, a Swedish newspaper, Expressen, has confirmed the sad demise of Roxette singer, Marie Fredriksson. The singer's family has issued a public statement in the daily saying, "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 in the morning of December 9th due to complications from her illness.’ The singer was fighting her battle with cancer from the past 17 years until she breathed her last on Monday morning.

The singer was earlier diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002 when she complained of feeling unwell while jogging and later collapsed and suffered a seizure. She had to undergo surgery for the removal of her tumour while undergoing her chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The relief came in 2005 when she announced she was fine and not taking any treatments currently. "It’s been three very difficult years, [but] I’m healthy. I’m not receiving treatment any more," she said.

Check Out Per Gessle's Tweet

Marie was known for forming the duo Roxette with Per Gessle in 1986. Gessle took to his Twitter account to remember his partner post her sad demise. "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," he tweeted.

Our condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 10, 2019 07:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).