Christine McVie, Late Fleetwood Mac Singer: Cause Of Death Revealed

Mariam Atef
Christine McVie playing the accordion.
Getty | Kevin Mazur

The reason behind the passing of the iconic Fleetwood Mac singer, Christine McVie, has been finally revealed.

Death Certificate Confirms Ischaemic Stroke

Christine McVie playing instrument
Flickr | giglens

As per the death certificate obtained by The Blast, McVie passed away on Nov. 30 due to an ischaemic stroke.

Ischaemic Stroke Explained

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | len gen

According to the Mayo Clinic, an ischaemic stroke takes place when an artery leading to the brain is blocked or narrowed by a blood clot.

Cancer Contributed To McVie's Passing After Stroke

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | EPJT

Medical records indicate that McVie suffered a stroke subsequent to being diagnosed with cancer, which is cited as a secondary cause of her passing.

Rare Disease

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | fraser donachie

It turned out that the singer had metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin.

This is defined by the National Cancer Institute as a " rare disease in which malignant cells are found in the body but the place the cancer began is not known."

Passes Away Peacefully At 79

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
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On November 30th, 2022, Christine McVie passed away "peacefully" at the age of 79.

Cremation After Hospital Passing

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | met52

The docs regarding McVie's passing reveal that she was cremated after her death at the hospital.

Short Illness: Family Announces Passing Of McVie

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | PJR-Images. (Moments In Time)

In November, the family of the singer and keyboardist announced her passing, citing that it occurred after "a short illness."

Family Statement

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
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"On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death," reads a statement released by McVie's family.

"She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family."

Remembering Christine McVie

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | Peter Tocher

The statement released by McVie's family requested privacy during their difficult time and asked that people remember her with love and keep her in their hearts.

They described her as an "incredible human being" and a cherished musician, and ended the statement with the words "RIP Christine McVie."

A Band Member Since 1970

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer, with another band member
Flickr | Peter Tocher

Christine McVie became a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1970, playing with her ex-husband John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and Stevie Nicks.

Fleetwood Mac Pays Tribute To The Late Christine McVie: "Truly One-Of-A-Kind"

A picture of Fleetwood Mac members
Flickr | standhisround

Fleetwood Mac paid tribute to Christine McVie in a social media statement, describing her as "truly one-of-a-kind, special, and talented beyond measure."

A Musical Legend and True Friend

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | Raph_PH

"She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life," the band statement continued.

"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."

Personal Tributes From Fleetwood Mac Members

A picture Fleetwood Mac Hollywood star walk
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Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood both paid tribute to Christine McVie in their own personal statements.

Stevie Nicks' Handwritten Tribute

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer, with Stevie Nicks
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Stevie Nicks shared in her tribute that she was only informed of McVie's illness on the Saturday after McVie's passing on Wednesday, and had wished to travel to London to be with her, but was advised to wait.

"Best Friend"

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer, with Stevie Nicks
Flickr | Raph_PH

In a handwritten note, Nicks shared lyrics from the Haim song Hallelujah and a picture of herself and McVie, referring to her as "my best friend in the whole world since the very first day of 1975."

"A Part Of My Heart"

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | met52

Reflecting on McVie's passing, Fleetwood expressed that "a part of my heart has flown away today.. I will miss everything about you."

McVie Talks Health And Hopes For Fleetwood Mac Reunion Tour

Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | met52

During an interview with Rolling Stone last year, McVie discussed her health and the potential for a future Fleetwood Mac reunion tour.

"The Flesh Is Weak": Christine McVie Discusses Health Struggles

A picture of Christine McVie, late Fleetwood Mac singer
Flickr | Raph_PH

"I'm in quite bad health," McVie shared.

"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."

"Bloody Hard Work"

Christine McVie looking down during a Fleetdown Mac performance
Flickr | onno de wit

She continued, "I'm quite happy being at home. I don't know if I ever want to tour again. It's bloody hard work… I'll just leave it open and say that we might."