Christine McVie, the keyboardist and one of the vocalists and songwriters of Fleetwood Mac, died on November 30, 2022, at the age of 79. She was a member of several bands, notably Chicken Shack, in the mid-1960s British Blues scene. She joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and remained with the band through many changes of line-up, writing songs and performing lead vocals before partially retiring in 1998. She rejoined the band in 2014 prior to their On with the Show tour. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1998. She also received two Grammy Awards and the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2014.
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The Cause of Death: A Stroke and Cancer
According to a death certificate obtained by The Blast, McVie died of a stroke and cancer. She suffered an ischemic stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. The death certificate also revealed that McVie had been diagnosed with “metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin,” indicating that cancer cells had been found in her body, but it was unclear where they had originated from.
McVie’s family had originally said that McVie died at the hospital “following a short illness” while surrounded by her family. They did not disclose the exact nature of her illness or the cause of her death. They asked for privacy and respect during this difficult time.
The Health Problems: A Chronic Back Problem
In an interview with Rolling Stone back in June 2022, McVie acknowledged that she was in “quite bad health.” She said she was struggling with a “chronic back problem,” though she did not offer any further details. She said that her back problem prevented her from standing up to play the piano and touring with the band. She said that she did not feel physically up for it and that her mind was willing, but her flesh was weak.
McVie did not mention anything about having a stroke or cancer in the interview. She also did not address any rumors or speculations about her health or death being related to the COVID-19 vaccines, as some people claimed on social media and other news platforms. There is no evidence to support such claims.
The Legacy: A Music Icon and a Trailblazer
McVie was widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful female musicians of all time. She was the prime mover behind some of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits, such as “Don’t Stop,” “Everywhere,” “Little Lies,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Songbird,” and “Say You Love Me.” She also released three solo studio albums, which showcased her distinctive voice and style.
McVie was praised for her musical talent, creativity, and versatility. She was also admired for her courage, resilience, and generosity. She overcame many personal and professional challenges, such as divorce, addiction, depression, and fame. She supported many charitable causes, such as animal welfare, environmental protection, and music education. She inspired many artists and fans across generations and genres.
McVie’s death was mourned by many people around the world, including her bandmates, fellow musicians, celebrities, friends, family, and fans. They paid tribute to her life and work on social media and other platforms. They expressed their gratitude, admiration, love, and sorrow for losing such a remarkable human being and a revered musician who was loved universally.
