Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie Passes Away in Hospital Surrounded by Family — She Was 'Loved Universally'

Christine McVie from the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac was loved universally by fans and family. McVie was a two-time divorcée with no kids and had a best friend who was oblivious to her illness until later, but during her last moment on earth, she was surrounded by family.

Christine McVie was an English singer, songwriter, and keyboardist who became prominent after joining the rock band Fleetwood Mac in 1970.

Although McVie was an essential member of the group, she established a solo career and released chart-topping songs and albums—her most famous album was released in 1984.

The singer was a rock and roll Hall of Fame Inductee and a two-time Grammy winner. Despite the musical victories and worldwide recognition, the songstress was family-oriented; she married and tried to have children.

Her first husband was John McVie, a fellow band member who played the guitar, but after nearly a decade, they divorced. Surprisingly, Fleetwood Mac remained together amid the drama between the former couple.

Two years after her first failed marriage, sources confirmed that the "Dreams" singer was engaged to The Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson until 1982.

In 1986, the songbird married a keyboardist, Eddy Quintela. This was her longest and last marriage. The duo separated in 2003, a few years before his death. Even though she was romantically involved with more than two men, the Fleetwood Mac keyboardist did not have her dream family.

In an honest conversation, she admitted that her biggest regret as a career woman was not having the opportunity to have children, although she maintained that she tried. In her words:

"There were never any children [for me]. There was always a career in the way. It was a case of one or the other... The lads went off and had children but for Stevie and I it was a bit difficult to do that. And I never found the right man. Not through want of trying."

McVie and her former female band member, Stevie Nicks, were convinced that no man would put up with their hectic schedule, as raising a family included being home to make the meals.

Christine McVie Took a Much-Needed Break

Fleetwood Mac was founded in 1967, and three years later, McVie joined the family. Together, they recorded hit tracks, earned awards, and sold millions of records worldwide, which made them one of the most successful bands in the industry.

Although Nicks described the deceased as her "best friend," she confessed that she was unaware of McVie's declining health until recently and had hoped to visit her in London.

However, their success story also came with sacrifices that took a toll on McVie. For the hardworking, calm-looking singer, the workload became so tiresome that it led to panic attacks. After many years in the band, she quit, taking a long hiatus to enjoy life alone with her pets. She claimed:

"I just enjoyed having my dogs, living in the country, going for long walks. I just wasn't interested in playing music at that point."

But her resolve did not last long. According to McVie, "the feeling came back." After many years of living in the countryside, she rejoined the band, revealing that she had no regrets.

Undoubtedly, at some point in her musical career, the "Songbird" crooner found it challenging to cope with the workload, yet she refused to part with the happy memories experienced in the band.

The Lancashire-born acknowledged feeling excitement while making music with her musical family. Contrary to what was reported, she loved singing with her ex-husband, John, Mick Fleetwood, and every other member.

They all wrote, sang, and performed interesting songs that captivated their audience for about five decades. Their last tour was in 2019, with nearly one hundred shows.

McVie was passionate about the group, and she had hoped for every member's inclusion in a reunion. Before then, Lindsay Buckingham had been kicked out of the group over a disagreement.

Despite her conviction, earlier in 2022, the singer confessed that she was not up for a final tour because her health had gone bad. She admitted:

"I'm in quite bad health. I've got a chronic back problem which debilitates me. I stand up to play the piano, so I don't know if I could actually physically do it. What's that saying? The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Christine McVie Passes on at 79

Sadly, McVie's health deteriorated, and on November 30, 2022, she passed away in the hospital, surrounded by family. In a shared Instagram post updated on her page by her family, the actress suffered a short illness before her death. The caption further read:

"We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy at this extremely painful time, and 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. RIP Christine McVie."

Since the announcement of her death, many, including members of Fleetwood Mac, her best friend, Nicks, and fans, have paid tributes. Although Nicks described the deceased as her "best friend," she confessed that she was unaware of McVie's declining health until recently and had hoped to visit her in London.

Before the planned trip, the US singer believed she would sing Haim's "Hallelujah" to her friend. Via her tributes, she shared some of the lyrics before adding a farewell message:

"See you on the other side my love. Don't forget me. Always, Stevie."

Fleetwood Mac's co-founder, Mick Fleetwood, also called McVie his "sweet friend." He echoed her influence on the group, sharing that she would be missed.

Similarly, a statement from the rock and roll band celebrated the singer's life's work. It also read, "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." Singer Sheryl Crow also tweeted:

"I am so sad to hear of Christine McVie going on to heaven. The world feels weird without her here. What a legend and an icon, and an amazing human being. RIP"

Even though she had no kids to carry on her legacy, friends and family have proven to be a great support and through their statements, will forever uphold her memories.

Additionally, her contributions to the music industry will be remembered by many worldwide. McVie may be gone, but she will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Christine!