Christine McVie, lead singer and keyboardist for Fleetwood Mac, dies

British

vocalist and keyboardist for the rock band

died Wednesday after suffering a "short illness," her family announced in a statement.

The artist, who retired in 1998 but rejoined the group in 2014, died "peacefully" in a hospital this morning accompanied by her relatives, according to the note published on her official

His fellow Fleetwood Mac members expressed their grief over the death of McVie, the composer of hits like

and

"There are no words to describe our sadness" following the death of an artist "truly unique, special and talented beyond measure," the band said on

Chirstine, with the rest of Fleetwood Mac.Richard DrewAP

"She was the best musician anyone could have had in a band and the best friend anyone could have had in their life. We were truly lucky to have shared life with her," the statement continued.

The group, formed in London in 1967 by vocalist/guitarist

pianist/vocalist

drummer

and bassist

expressed appreciation for the "fantastic memories" McVie has left behind.

Born

the artist changed her last name when she married bassist John McVie, who joined Fleetwood Mac after having gone through the group

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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