Wednesday marked the passing of Christine McVie, whose lyrics and trademark vocals helped make Fleetwood Mac one of the best-selling rock bands of all time. She was 79 years old.

McVie died in a hospital after a brief illness, according to a statement posted on the singer's Facebook page.

"We would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an extraordinary human being and universally adored musician. RIP Christine McVie, "In the family's statement, they stated.

In a second statement, Fleetwood Mac stated that there were "no words" to express the band's sorrow at McVie's demise. Fleetwood Mac members, including Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood, uploaded the statement on social media.

The band's statement read, "She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life." Individually and collectively, we held Christine in high regard and are grateful for the beautiful memories we have of her.

McVie, who was born Christine Perfect in northwest England on July 12, 1943, began composing music while attending art school and was performing with the band Chicken Shack before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and marrying its bassist, John McVie.

Two of Christine McVie's compositions, "Over My Head" and "Say You Love Me," were responsible for the blues band's first radio airplay in the United States.

The band traveled to California and recruited Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham as new members. John and Christine McVie's 1977 album "Rumours," recorded while they were divorcing, sold over 40 million copies and became one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The album, which included both Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks on vocals, had the songs "Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)," "Go Your Own Way," "The Chain," "You Make Loving Fun," and "Gold Dust Woman," and remained on the charts for 134 weeks, including 31 weeks at No. 1.

McVie quit Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and, despite releasing a solo album in 2004, remained mainly out of the public eye. In 2014, she rejoined the band for a tour.