Keyboardist, singer and songwriter Christine McVie, a key member of Fleetwood Mac during its commercial peak in the 1970s and '80s, died on 11/30 after a short illness. She was 79.

The surviving members of Fleetwood Mac issued a statement that reads: “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. 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. 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.”

McVie, who used her maiden name, Christine Perfect, as a solo artist and member of Chicken Shack in the 1960s, married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie and joined his band as a permanent member in 1971. (She was a guest on two of their '60s albums.) As the group evolved from its blues-rock roots with a revolving cast of guitarists and singers, McVie blossomed as a songwriter and lead singer on such albums as Mystery to Me and Heroes Are Hard to Find; a contribution to 1972's Bare Trees, "Spare Me a Little of Your Love," demonstrated the unique soulfulness that would become her vocal trademark.

Even after Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the band and gave it a new look and pop spin, McVie was on equal footing as a writer and singer: She had two Top 20 hits, “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me,” on Fleetwood Mac's self-titled 1975 breakthrough album and for its follow-up, 1977’s era-defining Rumours, wrote and sang “Don’t Stop,” “You Make Lovin’ Fun,” “Oh Daddy” and “Songbird.”

Following the Buckingham/Nicks-dominated Tusk, which featured McVie’s “Think About Me,” she provided the band’s late-era hits “Hold Me,” “Little Lies” and “Save Me.” Her voice has lately been used to sell Chevrolets, with “Everywhere,” from 1987’s Tango in the Night, revived thanks to the oft-played commercial.

McVie chose to stop playing live with the band following a 1990 tour and sat out a 1994 reunion with Buckingham, Nicks, John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood, performing with the group a handful of times through 1998. The standout gig during that period was the televised 1997 special that became the multimillion-seller The Dance.

McVie rejoined Fleetwood Mac for a 2014 tour and a 2018 run with Neil Finn and Mike Campbell replacing Buckingham.

As a solo artist, McVie released three albums—1970’s Christine Perfect, 1984’s Christine McVie, which cracked the Top 30, and 2004’s In the Meantime—and, most recently, an eponymous 2017 album with Buckingham.

McVie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 as a member of Fleetwood Mac.

"The loss of Christine McVie is not only devastating to all of us in her Warner Music family across the globe but to the entire music community and her countless millions of fans," reads a quote from WMG Recorded Music chief Max Lousada. "From her early days with Chicken Shack to her phenomenal time with Fleetwood Mac to her brilliant solo work, Christine has been in our collective musical consciousness for nearly six decades. Her voice was unmistakable and indelible, her songwriting beautiful and peerless and her live performances powerful and entrancing. She was, and is, a musical icon for the ages, and she will be deeply missed. Our condolences go out to her family, friends and bandmates."

"The Warner family has lost a dear friend of many decades with the passing of Christine McVie," added President of Global Catalog, Recorded Music Kevin Gore. "She was an exceptionally gifted musician, with her signature vocals and impeccable songwriting front and center on many of Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved hits. I had the honor of spending time with Christine a few years ago to discuss how to best present her solo work, and I’m so pleased with the collection she produced, which recently earned a Grammy nomination. Our deepest condolences go out to Christine’s family, bandmates and friends, along with her legions of fans around the world. Warner Music will continue to honor and preserve Christine’s unparalleled legacy and, though she may no longer be with us, we will all, like the songbird, keep singing her songs."

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Christine McVie," reads a statement from the Eagles. "Hers was a vibrant, soulful spirit, and her music was, and will remain, a gift to the world. We had the utmost admiration and respect for Christine. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, her bandmates and her legions of fans."

Gutted to learn about the passing of Christine McVie. Just gutted.
Songbird forever. ðŸ©¸
— Garbage (@garbage) November 30, 2022

Just heard the terribly heartbreaking news that
Christine McVie has died. She wrote my favourite Fleetwood Mac songs and I also loved her solo work.
Enormous loss. RIP RS pic.twitter.com/I3XGWDHh2X
— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) November 30, 2022

Christine McVie.
Our Songbird forever. ðŸ•Š pic.twitter.com/8fDo5ire5u
— The Kia Forum (@thekiaforum) November 30, 2022

pic.twitter.com/shclwCGpuu
— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) November 30, 2022