Fleetwood Hitmaker Christine McVie died at age 79

Fleetwook hitmake Christine McVie died at age 79 following a brief illness. 

Her passing was publicized on the band's social media pages. There was no immediate word on the cause of death or other details, but a family statement posted on her verified instagram page stated she "She passed away peacefully in hospital this morning" with relatives by her side after a "brief illness."

 

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"She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure,"the rockers said in a statement on social media.

"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."

McVie, who was born in Greenodd, Wales, to a music teacher father, was a classically educated musician who appeared in the late 1960s with the British band Chicken Shack under the name Christine Perfect.

She joined Fleetwood Mac after marrying John McVie, the band's bass guitarist, at a time when the band was led by guitarist and founder Peter Green.