Marie Fredriksson of Roxette fame dead at 61

Swedish superstar passed away Monday morning

Publicerad 2019-12-10

Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has died, aged 61.

The world famous singer passed away Monday morning, her management says in a statement.

”What an amazing dream we got to share”, says Roxette partner Per Gessle.

Marie Fredriksson, loved by fans all over the world for her success in Swedish superduo Roxette, has passed away.

”It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone”, her management says in a statement.

”Marie Fredriksson passed away on the morning of December 9 due to complications following her earlier illness”, the statement continues.

In 2002 Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumour, but got better and from 2010 until 2016 she was back on the road touring around the world several times with her Roxette parter Per Gessle. In 2013 she also released her last solo album, ”Nu” and went on a solo tour.

Brain tumour

In 2016 however, doctors advised her against more touring due to health concerns following the previus brain tumour.

Maerie’s Roxette partner and friend Per Gessle says in a statement:

”Time flies. It feels like just yesterday when me and Marie were in my small flat in Halmstad sharing our dreams. And what an amazing dream we got to share.”

Gessle’s statement continues:

”Thank you Marie, thank you for EVERYTHING. You were a unique musician, a singer on a level we won’t ever see again. You painted my black and white songs with the most beautiful of colours. You were a wonderful friend for more than 40 years. I am proud, honoured and happy to have shared so much of your time, your talent, your warmth and generosity and humour. All my love to you and your family. Things will never be the same”.

Husband and two children

Marie Fredriksson released her first solo album ”Het vind” in 1984, and got her first major hit with the love ballad ”Ännu doftar kärlek”. 1986 she formed the duo Roxette together with Per Gessle and together they went on to score four US number ones, with the songs ”The look”, ”Listen to your heart”, ”It must have been love” and ”Joyride”.

While releasing 13 albums with Roxette, Marie also continued her solo career in Sweden with a total of eight solo albums and several number one hits.

In a statement by her management, Marie Fredriksson’s husband Mikael Bolyos, 62, and two children Josefin, 26, and Oscar, 23, has asked for privacy in this time of mourning.