LONDON/LOS ANGELES, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Christine McVie, whose songwriting and signature vocals helped make British-American 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.
McVie left Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and largely stayed out of the public eye despite releasing a solo album in 2004. She rejoined the band for a 2014 tour.
The British singer-songwriter was behind hits including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don't Stop, Say You Love Me and Songbird.
She died peacefully at a hospital in the company of her family, a statement said.
McVie left Fleetwood Mac after 28 years in 1998 but returned in 2014.
The family's statement said "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".
Born Christine Perfect, McVie married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie, and joined the group at the start of the 1970s.
McVie was one of eight members of the band inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
In the same year, after the success of their live album The Dance, she retired to Kent, saying a fear of flying meant she was leaving the band.
But she rediscovered her love of performing at a one-off appearance with the group at London's O2 arena in 2013 and returned to them a year later.
Former US President Bill Clinton tweeted: "Don't Stop was my '92 campaign theme song - it perfectly captured the mood of a nation eager for better days. I'm grateful to Christine & Fleetwood Mac for entrusting us with such a meaningful song. I will miss her."incredible musical legacy, and a wonderful story.
"A girl from Cumbria making it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, absolutely amazing".
Christine McVie, whose songwriting and signature vocals helped make British-American 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.
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.
McVie began her career as Christine Perfect, her maiden name. Before Fleetwood Mac, she contributed to Chicken Shack, a British blues and rock band, and her lead vocals on the band’s 1969 cover of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind” charted as a No. 14 UK hit.
