Mourning in the music world: Christine McVie, singer, keyboard player and songwriter for the band Fleetwood Mac, has died at the age of 79. According to "bbc.com", her family announced that she died peacefully with her family in a hospital.

The statement on the singer's death also said: "We want everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and to remember the life of an incredible person and an honored musician who was loved by all."

McVie married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie (77) in 1968 and joined the group in the early 1970s. The band's album Rumors (1977), a worldwide success, was inspired by the breakup of the McVies and the band's other couple, Lindsey Buckingham (73) and Stevie Nicks (74). Christine McVie was also responsible for hits like "Little Lies", "Everywhere", "Don't Stop" or "Songbird".

The British musician was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. That same year she left Fleetwood Mac. The reason at the time was, among other things, her fear of flying. After performing with the group in London in 2013, she decided to return to the band a year later.

In a statement, the band said of McVie, according to bbc.com: "We have been so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and collectively, we have treasured Christine and are grateful for the great memories we have . She will be missed so much."

Stevie Nicks tweeted: "A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world, since the first day of 1975, passed away. I didn't even know she was ill...until late Saturday night. I wanted to be in London, I wanted to come to London - but we were told to wait. (...)"

Mick Fleetwood (75), co-founder of the band, said on Twitter, among other things: "Part of my heart flew away today … I will miss everything about you, Christine McVie."