Roxette's Marie Fredriksson Passes Away, Age 61

Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has passed away, age 61. 

The news was confirmed by her management agency Dimberg Jernberg, confirming she had passed on the morning of 9 December following a 17-year battle with brain cancer.

"Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy," read the statement. "Her amazing voice – both strong and sensitive – and her magical live performances will be remembered by all of us who was lucky enough to witness them. 

"But we also remember a wonderful person with a huge appetite for life, and woman with a very big heart who cared for everybody she met."

Fredriksson is best-known for her work with Roxette, which she formed with collaborator Per Gessle in 1986. 

They went on to have huge international success with singles like It Must Have Been Love, Listen To Your Heart, Dressed For Success, The Look, Joyride and more.

Gessle has paid tribute to Fredriksson today, saying "things will never be the same."

"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 with the most beautiful colours." See the full statement below. 

Roxette last toured Australia in 2015, including a show at the Sydney Opera House. They retired from touring the following year.