Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac performs during MusiCares Person of the Year honouring the group at Radio City Music Hall on 26 January, 2018 in New York City. Photo: AFP
Christine McVie, who played with Fleetwood Mac and wrote some of their most famous songs, has died aged 79, her family says.
The British singer-songwriter was behind hits including 'Little Lies', 'Everywhere', 'Don't Stop', 'Say You Love Me', and 'Songbird'.
She died peacefully at a hospital in the company of her family, a statement said.
McVie left Fleetwood Mac after 28 years in 1998 but returned in 2014.
The family's statement said: "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."
Born Christine Perfect, McVie married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie and joined the group in 1971.
Fleetwood Mac was one of the world's best known rock bands in the 1970s and '80s.
Their 1977 album Rumours - inspired by the break-ups of the McVies and the band's other couple, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks - became one of the biggest selling of all time, with more than 40 million copies sold worldwide.
A statement by the band said of McVie: "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."
Christine McVie and Neil Finn of Fleetwood Mac attend the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Centre on 29 March, 2019 in New York City. Photo: AFP
New Zealand singer / songwriter Neil Finn joined Fleetwood Mac in 2018 after the band ousted long term guitarist and singer Lindsey Buckingham.
Finn described playing with the group as "a natural fit".
He also got the band to help out with a single he recorded to help the Auckland City Mission.
He spent two years working on the song 'Find Your Way Back Home', which he said turned out to be a blessing as it allowed Fleetwood Mac bandmates Stevie Nicks, McVie and Mike Campbell to get involved.
His Fleetwood Mac band members were delighted to be involved and felt strongly about it being for charity, Finn told RNZ in 2020.
- BBC / RNZ