Marie Fredriksson, the singer of Swedish band Roxette has died aged 61.

Her death was announced by Swedish newspaper Expressen, who published a statement from her family.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone.” the statement said, adding that the singer had passed away from her previous illnesses.

Fredriksson had previously been treated for a brain tumour. In 2002 the singer fell ill and underwent surgery alongside chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The treatment left her blind in one eye and with severe hearing loss.

Fredriksson has a substantial career in her native Sweden before she teamed up with Per Gessle to form Roxette. Gessle had been a member of rock band Gyllene Tider, and also had a successful solo career.

The singer began her career in punk rock bands in the late ’70s, her first solo album was released in 1984. Even after she found international success in Roxette she continued her solo career releasing Swedish language albums.

Roxette found international success in 1988 with the release of their second album Look Sharp! It featured the mega-hit The Look, and also spawned the hits Dangerous, Dressed for Success and the ballad Listen to Your Heart.

The band had further success with It Must Have Been Love which featured in the film Pretty Woman.

Their subsequent album’s included more hits such as Fading Like a Flower, Joyride, Spending My Time,  How Do You Do, Sleeping In My Car and The Centre of My Heart.

Over their career Roxette released 10 albums of material, there most recent record came out in 2016.

Fredriksson is survived by her husband musician Mikael “Micke” Bolyos, the couple have two children.

Bandmate Per Gessle paid tribute to his longtime collaborator.

“Time goes by so quickly. It’s not that long ago we spent days+nights in my tiny apartment sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share! ‘I’m honoured to have met your talent+generosity. All my love goes to you+your family. Things will never be the same.” Gessle posted to social media.

OIP Staff

Update: 11-12-19 This article was updated to correct an error, the tune featured in the film Pretty Woman was It Must Have Been Love.