iHeartRadio.ca: "Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson died Tuesday at 61.
"It is with great sadness we have to announce that Marie Fredriksson of Roxette has passed away in the morning of December 9, following a 17-year long battle with cancer," read a statement from Roxette's management.
Roxette's Per Gessle said, in a statement: "You were an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer. Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colours. You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years. I’m proud, honoured and happy to have been able to share so much of your time, talent, warmth, generosity and sense of humour. All my love goes out to you and your family. Things will never be the same."
Gessle also tweeted: "Time goes by so quickly. It’s not that long ago we spent days+nights in my tiny apartment sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share! I’m honoured to have met your talent+generosity."
In September 2002, Fredriksson collapsed at home after jogging with her husband, musician Mikael Bolyos. She was later diagnosed with a tumour at the back of her brain and underwent surgery and radiation treatment. She was left blind in one eye and suffered some loss of mobility and hearing.
Fredriksson made a gradual return to the spotlight beginning in 2009 but was advised by doctors in 2016 to focus on her health.
Fredriksson recorded several solo albums before (and after) teaming with Gessle to create Roxette in 1986. The duo released its debut album Pearls of Passion in 1986 but didn’t breakout until 1988’s Look Sharp! spawned global hits “The Look” and “Listen to Your Heart.”
Roxette’s follow-up, 1991’s Joyride was an even bigger commercial success. The pair released seven more studio albums up until 2016.
In Canada, Roxette went to No. 1 with “Listen to Your Heart,” “It Must Have Been Love” and “Joyride.” They last performed in Canada in 2012 with shows in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
Fredriksson is survived by her husband of 25 years and their children Josefin and Oscar."