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We have some sad news to report from the world of music:
Marianne Faithfull — the singer, actress, and author who became a generational icon in the 1960s — has passed away at the age of 78.
News of Faithfull’s passing comes to us courtesy of a statement from her family:
Marianne Faithfull’s Cause of Death
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” the statement said (via the BBC).
“Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
No official cause of death was given, but Faithfull’s health problems have been well documented through the years.
In interviews and in her three bestselling memoirs, Marianne opened up about her battles with breast cancer, hepatitis C, and emphysema.
The last was brought about by decades of smoking, to which Marianne also credited her signature “whiskey-soaked” voice.
An Epic Career
Faithfull burst onto the international music scene in 1964 with her hit single “As Tears Go By.”
Her popularity as a musician was enhanced by roles in such films as The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968) and Hamlet (1969).
During this period, she also entered a high-profile, four-year relationship with Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger.
She later admitted to cheating on Jagger with his bandmate Keith Richards, which she described as an act of retaliation in response to Jagger’s infidelities.
It’s long been rumored that several iconic Stones songs were inspired by Faithfull.
Sadly, Marianne’s life took a sharp downturn in the 1970s
It was during this time that her substance abuse and mental health issues got the better of her, leaving her homeless and addicted to heroin.
In 1979, Faithfull made a comeback with her critically album Broken English, which earned her her first Grammy.
Few public figures embody the artistry, energy, and excesses of the 1960s and ’70s as thoroughly as Marianne Faithfull.
She is survived by her son, financial journalist Nick Dunbar.
Our thoughts go out to Marianne’s loved ones during this enormously difficult time.
Marianne Faithfull Cause of Death: Iconic Singer, Ex of Mick Jagger’s Passes Away was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.