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Fleetwood Mac star's cause of death revealed after singer died aged 79

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Fleetwood Mac star's cause of death revealed after singer died aged 79
Fleetwood Mac star's cause of death revealed after singer died aged 79

CHRISTINE McVie died of a massive stroke and cancer, it has been revealed.

The Fleetwood Mac star passed away aged 79 from an "ischaemic stroke" in November last year while in hospital.

Christine McVie died at the age of 79 eidqirrikqprw
Christine McVie died at the age of 79Credit: Getty - Contributor
Christine with bandmates Stevie Nicks, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood in 2018
Christine with bandmates Stevie Nicks, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood in 2018Credit: AP:Associated Press
The star wrote hits including Little Lies, Everywhere and Don't Stop
The star wrote hits including Little Lies, Everywhere and Don't StopCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Her death certificate has been seen for the first time by The Blast.

The star - who wrote hits including Little Lies, Everywhere and Don't Stop - was diagnosed with "metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin".

It means cancer had spread in her body but doctors couldn't tell where it started.

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Last year her family's statement read: "It is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine's death.

"We would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally".

Christine's death certificate was sent to court in a bundle of files to settle her £40million ($50million) estate, the website reports.

Her brother and his children are the sole heirs, the papers reveal, and several charities are also included.

BLOOD CLOT

Christine's stroke was caused by a blood clot blocking an artery that lead to the brain.

The certificate also revealed she was suffering from her heart beating irregularly.

Rock band Fleetwood Mac, founded in London in 1967, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups ever.

Their best-known songs include Dreams, Go Your Own Way and Everywhere.

Christine's devastated bandmates described her as "one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure" in a heartbreaking tribute.

A statement from Fleetwood Mac said on Twitter: "There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie.

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"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."

Meanwhile, Stevie Nicks described Christine as her "best friend in the whole world".

She said she had not known Christine was ill until four days before her death, and had wanted to visit her in London.

Nicks wrote on Instagram: "A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away.

"I didn't even know she was ill until late Saturday night. I wanted to be in London, I wanted to get to London - but we were told to wait.

"So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around my head, over and over and over. I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her, and so I'm singing it to her now.

"I always knew I would need these words one day... It's all I can do now." 

'I MISS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU'

Mick Fleetwood also paid tribute to his late bandmate, saying "part of my heart has flown away".

He wrote on Twitter: "This is a day where my dear sweet Friend Christine McVie has taken to flight and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that 'song bird,' reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us.

"Part of my heart has flown away today... I will miss everything about you Christine McVie.

"Memories abound.. they fly to me."

Despite its tumultuous history, Fleetwood Mac became one of the famed rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, comprising of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, as well as Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.

Over three decades, Christine was part of the Fleetwood Mac circus - a rollercoaster ride of dizzying highs and crashing lows before she quit and retreated to the Kent countryside.

Christine, born Christine Perfect in Bouth, Lancashire, had been playing the piano since childhood but set aside her classical training once she heard early rock records by Fats Domino and others.

While studying at the Moseley School of Art, she befriended various members of Britain's emerging blues scene and, in her 20s, joined the band Chicken Shack as a singer and piano player.

Among the rival bands she admired was Fleetwood Mac, which then featured the talents of blues guitarist Peter Green along with the rhythm section of Fleetwood and McVie. 

She joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970 as the keyboardist after marrying John McVie and contributing to the backup vocals on Kiln House.

John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham in 1976
John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham in 1976Credit: Getty
Christine McVie and Mick Fleetwood in London in 1987
Christine McVie and Mick Fleetwood in London in 1987Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
She had played the piano since childhood
She had played the piano since childhoodCredit: Getty

Emer Scully

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