Fleetwood Mac Bandmates Pay Tribute After Christine McVie Dies At 79

Fleetwood Mac singer and keyboardist Christine McVie has died.

News of McVie's death was announced on Wednesday afternoon via statements shared on Fleetwood Mac and McVie's social media accounts, respectively. The statement issued via McVie's Instagram and Twitter came courtesy of her family.

"There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie," the band's statement begins. "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," the statement concludes.

McVie passed away of a short illness and was surrounded by family, the statement posted on McVie's social media accounts reads. The statement also kindly asks for fans to respect the privacy of McVie's family.

"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," the statement also reads.

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

McVie would leave the band that same year, before reuniting with the band briefly in the 2010s. She would later candidly reveal she had developed agoraphobia after leaving the band. (via Sky News)

McVie would have a hit solo single with "Hold On Me," released in 1984, from her self-titled album.

The 'Songbird's longtime friend and bandmate, Stevie Nicks, paid tribute to McVie on her social media accounts.

Nicks shared Fleetwood Mac's statement to her Instagram, as well as her Instagram Story.

Nicks penned a note, written longhand and in her signature cursive handwriting. Nicks, 74, wrote, "A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the world since the first day of 1975, has passed away. I didn't even know she was ill... until late Saturday night. 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 words Nicks is referring to are lyrics from HAIM's 2020 song "Hallelujah."  The band would comment on Nicks's Instagram tribute, writing, "rip beautiful songbird we love u stevie," with heart emojis.

Michelle Branch also offered her condolences on Nicks's post.

Fleetwood, 75, also posted a tribute to McVie on his social media accounts.

"This is a day where my dear sweet Friend Christine McVie has taken to flight.. and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that "song bird" reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us. Part of my heart has flown away today. I will miss everything about you, Christine McVie. Memories abound.. they fly to me," Fleetwood's tribute concludes.