Christine McVie’s cause of death has finally been revealed.
The Fleetwood Mac keyboardist died of a massive stroke, which was brought on by an aggressive form of cancer, reports The Blast.
According to the musician’s death certificate, McVie had been diagnosed with “metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin.” The cancer had advanced through her body but its primary source was not detected.
Officially, McVie died of an “ischaemic stroke,” with cancer listed as a secondary cause.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an ischaemic stroke “occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.”
The singer’s longtime manager was named as the executor of her sizable estate which was in excess of $50 million.
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McVie died last November at the age of 79.
As she was not married at the time of her death, and had no children, the singer’s brother and his children are the sole heirs along with several charities bequeathed in her will.
“There are no words to describe the sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” Fleetwood Mac wrote in a statement on Twitter after her passing.
“She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure. She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.”
The statement continued, “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.”
Her family also released a statement on Instagram.
“On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death,” the statement read. “She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness.”
McVie’s bandmate Stevie Nicks also penned an emotional tribute to the “Don’t Stop” songwriter.
“A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975 had passed away,” Nicks, 74, wrote in a note shared via Instagram.
“I didn’t even know she was ill… until late Saturday night,” she explained. “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 in 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.”
The “Gypsy” singer then wrote out the lyrics to Haim’s 2019 track “Hallelujah,” including the touching verse, “I had a best friend but she has come to pass / One I wish I could see now / You always remind me that memories will last / These arms reach out.”
Nicks concluded her post by writing, “See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me — Always, Stevie.”
McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, three years after the group formed in London in 1967.
The hugely successful band was made up of Nicks, drummer Mick Fleetwood, guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and Christine’s ex-husband, bass guitarist John Graham McVie.
The former couple was married from 1968 to 1976. Christine then went on to marry Portuguese keyboardist and songwriter Eddy Quintela from 1986 to 2003.
In 1998, McVie exited the band and rejoined in 2014 after a 15-year absence.
Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Their 1977 album “Rumours” sold millions and spawned massive hits like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way.”
