Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter dies at 79

LONDON/LOS ANGELES — Christine Mcvie, whose songwriting and signature vocals helped make Britishamerican group Fleetwood Mac one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, died on Wednesday. She was 79.

Mcvie passed away at a hospital following a short illness, her family said in a statement posted on the singer’s Facebook page.

“We would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being and a revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine Mcvie,” the family said in the statement.

Fleetwood Mac, in a separate statement, said that there were “no words” to describe the band’s sadness at Mcvie’s passing. Members of Fleetwood Mac including Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood posted the statement on social media.

“She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life,” the band’s statement said. “Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have.”

Born Christine Perfect in northwest England on July 12, 1943, Mcvie started making music while in art school and was playing with a band called Chicken Shack before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and marrying its bassist, John Mcvie. It was two of Christine Mcvie’s songs, “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me,” that first saw the band, getting featured on U.S. radio stations.