Christine McVie’s cause of death has finally been revealed.
Keyboardist for The Blast, Fleetwood Mac, died of a massive stroke caused by an aggressive form of cancer.
According to the musician’s death certificate, McVie was diagnosed with “metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin.” The cancer had advanced in his body, but its primary source could not be identified.
Officially, McVie died of an “ischemic stroke” in which cancer was listed as a secondary cause.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an ischemic stroke “occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes.”
The singer’s longtime manager has been named the executor of his sizable legacy, worth over $50 million.
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McVie died last November at the age of 79.
As he was unmarried and had no children at the time of his death, the singer’s brother and children are sole heirs, along with several charities inherited in his will.
“There are no words to describe the sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” Fleetwood Mac said on Twitter after her death.
“He was truly one-of-a-kind, special and extraordinarily talented. He was the best musician anyone in his band could have and the best friend he could have in his life.
The statement continued: “We were very lucky to have a life with him. Individually and together, we deeply valued Christine and are grateful for the wonderful memories we have. He will be greatly missed.”
His family also made a statement on his Instagram account.
“On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, we regret to inform you of Christine’s death,” the statement said. “After a short illness, she passed away peacefully in the hospital she was taken to on Wednesday morning, November 30, 2022.”
McVie’s bandmate Stevie Nicks also paid an emotional homage to the “Don’t Stop” songwriter.
“A few hours ago, I was told that my best friend in the world since the first day of 1975 passed away,” Nicks, 74, posted on Instagram.
“I didn’t even know he was sick… until late Saturday night,” he explained. “I wanted to be in London; I wanted to go to London but we were told to wait. A song has been running around in my head since Saturday, over and over.
“I thought I could say that to him, and that’s why I’m telling him now. I always knew I would need those words one day.”
The “Gypsy” singer later wrote the lyrics for Haim’s 2019 song “Hallelujah” and wrote, “I had my best friend but he’s gone / I wish I could see it now / You always remind me of those memories that will last / These arms are outstretched.”
Nicks shared, “See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me – Always, Stevie.
McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, three years after the band was formed in London in 1967.
The highly successful band consisted of Nicks, drummer Mick Fleetwood, guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, and Christine’s ex-wife, bassist John Graham McVie.
The former couple was married from 1968 to 1976. Christine was later married to Portuguese keyboardist and songwriter Eddy Quintela from 1986 to 2003.
McVie left the band in 1998 and rejoined in 2014 after a 15-year hiatus.
Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Their 1977 album “Rumours” sold millions and produced big hits like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way”.