The British-American was part of one of the most successful groups ever, with Fleetwood Mac having sold more than 100 million records since they founded in London in 1967.
McVie’s family announced her death in a post on her social media, writing: “On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family.
“We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie.”
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Born Christine Perfect, she married fellow bandmate John McVie in 1968. The pair divorced in 1976, although remained on good terms. Their surname, combined with that of Mick Fleetwood, was the inspiration for the band’s name. Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Peter Green were other key members of the band which has had both a highly successful and tumultuous history. Green passed away two years ago, aged 73.
As a singer-songwriter and keyboardist for the band, McVie penned some of their most recognisable songs, including ‘Songbird’, ‘Oh Daddy’ and ‘Don’t Stop’.
McVie had left the group at one stage — shortly after their induction into the Roll and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 — following the death of her father.
After a solo career, she would reunite with them again in 2013. In 2017, McVie explained how she’d developed agoraphobia and had retreated from the world following her departure from Fleetwood Mac — a period in which she’d moved from California to Kent.
A statement from the Twitter account of Fleetwood Mac Twitter page read: “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure.
“She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.
“We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed.”
