The music world lost one of its most beloved voices in November 2022. Christine McVie, the iconic singer-songwriter behind many of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits, passed away at the age of 79. While her family initially shared that she had succumbed to a “short illness,” they did not disclose further details at the time. Now, months later, the cause of her death has been made public.

The Passing of a Musical Legend

Christine McVie, whose birth name was Christine Perfect, passed away on November 30, 2022. According to her family, she spent her final moments “in the company of her family.” Their heartfelt statement urged fans to keep Christine in their hearts, remembering her as an “incredible human being and a revered musician who was universally loved.”

Fleetwood Mac, the band she helped shape into one of the most legendary groups of all time, also issued a statement. They described McVie as “one-of-a-kind, special, and talented beyond measure.” They further expressed how much she meant to them, saying, “She was the greatest friend anyone could have in life and the best musician one could have in a band. We all loved Christine very much, both individually and collectively, and we are grateful for the incredible memories we have. We shall really miss her.”

Each band member paid tribute in their own way. Mick Fleetwood, the band’s drummer, delivered an emotional eulogy at McVie’s memorial service on January 9. He later reflected on Instagram about the band’s initial disbelief, saying, “When we first found out that we might be losing Christine, everyone in the Fleetwood Mac family came together, hoping we wouldn’t have to say goodbye. We are still struggling to accept that she has truly flown away.”

Fleetwood also noted that McVie would have been surprised by the outpouring of global love and recognition. “She would have been in complete shock that sporting events were being canceled to honor her,” he wrote. “That was our Christine—a North Country girl who didn’t care about the fluff but gave the world a great gift through her music.”

Stevie Nicks’ Tribute

Stevie Nicks, McVie’s longtime bandmate, honored her during her first performance with Billy Joel after McVie’s passing. On March 10, Nicks played a heartfelt rendition of “Landslide” while a slideshow of McVie’s life and career played in the background.

At the conclusion of the performance, Nicks fought back tears as she said, “There’s really not much to say. I’m trying to deal with it by just pretending that she’s here.”

The Cause of Christine McVie’s Death

Months after her passing, McVie’s official cause of death was finally revealed. According to documents obtained by The Blast, McVie suffered a “massive stroke” due to an “ischaemic stroke”—a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Additionally, she had been battling an aggressive form of cancer known as “metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin.”

Her death certificate also listed “atrial fibrillation”—a heart condition that can lead to strokes—as a contributing factor. Following her passing, McVie was cremated.

In legal documents related to her estate, it was revealed that McVie left behind a fortune exceeding $50 million. Since she was unmarried and had no children, her estate was left to her brother and his children.

Christine McVie’s Extraordinary Career

Born on July 12, 1943, in Lancashire, England, Christine McVie developed a love for music at an early age. She originally trained in classical piano but transitioned to rock and blues as a teenager.

Her professional music career took off when she joined the British blues band Chicken Shack as a pianist and backup vocalist. However, her destiny changed when she married Fleetwood Mac’s bassist, John McVie, in 1969. She left Chicken Shack and joined Fleetwood Mac in 1971, becoming a full-time member.

Fleetwood Mac went through multiple lineup changes, but McVie remained a core creative force. The band skyrocketed to international fame after Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined in the mid-1970s. Their self-titled album in 1975 was a major breakthrough, featuring two of McVie’s chart-topping songs: “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me.”

The band’s next album, Rumours (1977), became one of the best-selling albums of all time. McVie contributed some of the record’s most beloved songs, including “Songbird,” “Don’t Stop,” and “You Make Loving Fun.”

Despite the band’s immense success, Fleetwood Mac was fraught with internal tensions, including McVie’s divorce from John McVie in 1976. However, Christine remained a key member, known for her effortless vocals and masterful songwriting. Her later hits included “Everywhere” and “Little Lies” from the Tango in the Night album.

Beyond Fleetwood Mac, McVie also pursued a solo career, releasing three albums. In 1998, after three decades with the band, she left Fleetwood Mac, citing a fear of flying and a desire to live a quieter life. However, she reunited with the group in 2014 for a highly successful tour.

A Lasting Musical Legacy

Over her remarkable career, McVie earned two Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1999. Her timeless music continues to inspire generations of fans.

Christine McVie’s legacy will forever be remembered through her incredible voice and timeless songwriting. May she rest in peace, and may her music continue to touch hearts around the world.

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