Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson died after a long battle with cancer.

The singer's death was confirmed by Swedish newspaper Expressen, which wrote a statement from her family.

The statement read:

"It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone. Marie Fredriksson passed away on the morning of December 9th due to complications from her illness."

A statement from Dimberg Jernberg Management later confirmed that Fredriksson 'passed away in the morning of Dec. 9, following a 17-year long battle with cancer.'

The agency wrote:

"Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy. Her amazing voice – both strong and sensitive – and her magical live performances will be remembered by all of us who were lucky enough to witness them."

"But we also remember a wonderful person with a huge appetite for life, and a woman with a very big heart who cared for everybody she met."

Fellow band member and guitarist Per Gessle farewelled his long-term friend in a heartfelt statement, saying:

"Time goes by so quickly. It's not that long ago we spent days and nights in my tiny apartment in Halmstad, listening to music we loved, sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share!"

"Thank you, Marie, thanks for everything. You were an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer. Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colors."

"You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years. I'm proud, honored, and happy to have been able to share so much of your time, talent, warmth, generosity, and sense of humor. All my love goes out to you and your family. Things will never be the same."

Marie Was A Fighter

In 2002, Marie Fredriksson complained of feeling unwell while jogging. She later collapsed and suffered a seizure.

The singer was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor and was informed that she only had a 25% chance of survival. Marie underwent surgery to remove the tumor and completed eight months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

However, the tumor left her blind in one eye and with limited hearing. She was also unable to speak for months after the treatment.

In 2005, she said:

"It's been three very difficult years, [but] I'm healthy. I'm not receiving treatment anymore."

Born in the southern Swedish village of Ossjo, Fredriksson kickstarted her career in Halmstad city, where she met Gessle in the 1980s.

The pair formed Roxette in 1986, which sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

After achieving national fame with their first album release, the pair made their international success in 1989 with the catchy pop song "The Look."

The song shot to number one on US Billboard, the same year. Her other popular hits include "Joyride," "Listen To Your Heart," and "It Must Have Been Love."