Christine McVie’s cause of death has been revealed after passing away last November.
According to the death certificate, McVie died of an ischemic stroke.
An ischemic stroke “occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes,” per Mayo Clinic.
The death certificate also revealed that McVie had a “metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin”. This means there was cancer that was found throughout her body but the source of the tumor is unidentified.
The Fleetwood Mac alum passed away on November 30, her death confirmed by her family who released a statement at the time.
“On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death,” they wrote, per US Weekly. “She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family. 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.”
Fleetwood Mac also released a collective statement honoring their former keyboardist, calling her “truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure,” adding, “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.”
Stevie Nicks also took to Instagram to share her message that she was unable to see McVie in her final days alive. She went on to quote the song “Hallelujah” by Haim, writing, “I had a best friend / But she has come to pass / One I wish I could see now / You always remind me / That memories will last,” adding, “I always knew I would need these words one day.”
McVie played keyboard for the iconic 70s band, and also dabbled in writing some of their songs, including “Behind the Mask”, “Don’t Stop”, and “Songbird”.
She was honored at the 2023 Grammys with a rendition of “Songbird” performed by Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Rait, and Fleetwood Mac co-founder and drummer Mick Fleetwood.
Last June, Christine actually spoke with Rolling Stone about her health and how it had affected her ability to continue touring.
“I don’t feel physically up for it,” she explained. “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.”
McVie is dearly missed by her fans and the music community. She’ll live on through her music, as her voice is only the hit of a play button away.
Sources:
usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/fleetwood-macs-christine-mcvies-cause-of-death-revealed/
theblast.com/471571/fleetwood-mac-christine-mcvie-cause-of-death-massive-stroke-cancer-diagnosis/
