On Tuesday, Marie Fredriksson, Swedish pop singer, died after a long battle with brain cancer at the age of 61.
Her manager Dimberg Jernberg said in a statement that Ms. Fredriksson had to struggle with brain cancer that was diagnosed in 2002.
The spiky-haired lead singer of Roxette and her singing partner Per Gessle briefly ruled the American charts in the 1980s and 1990s with their dramatically lovelorn ballads.
Fredriksson used to perform solo in her native Sweden until 1986 and then she teamed up with Gessle for their rock duo Roxette. The major breakthrough of Roxette was their single, “The Look” that topped the hot 100 charts of US Billboard in 1989.
The duo gave several hits afterward, including the single “It Must Have Been Love” and albums “Look Sharp” and “Joyride.”
She was diagnosed with a brain tumor after she collapsed in her kitchen following a workout. The tumor made her lose the vision in her right eye. She underwent treatment for more than three years and then made a comeback in 2006. She even toured again from 2008 to 2016. However, her cancer eventually returned.
In a heartfelt statement, Gessle said, “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 colors. You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years.”
“I’m proud, honored and happy to have been able to share so much of your time, talent, warmth, generosity and sense of humor. All my love goes out to you and your family,” he added. “Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy,” said Dimberg.
