Singer Marie Fredriksson of Roxette dies at 61

Singer Marie Fredriksson of Swedish pop duo Roxette died on Monday at the age of 61 after having spent years battling cancer and the lingering effects of its treatment, her manager said.

Singer Marie Fredriksson of Swedish pop duo Roxette died on Monday at the age of 61 after having spent years battling cancer and the lingering effects of its treatment, her manager said.

Marie Fredriksson of pop band Roxette sings during a concert at Fredriksskans in Kalmar. (REUTERS)

Roxette produced several international hits including four US number ones with It Must Have Been Love, from the film Pretty Woman, The Look, Listen to Your Heart and Joyride.

"It is with great sadness that we must announce that one of our biggest and most loved artists is gone," Fredriksson's manager said in a statement.

Roxette was formed in 1986 by Fredriksson and singer and song-writer Per Gessle. The group released its breakthrough album Look Sharp two years later. "You painted my black and white songs in the most beautiful colours," Gessle said of the singer in Monday's statement. Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002.