Marie Fredriksson, the lead singer of Swedish pop group Roxette, has died.

She was 61-years-old.

Her management says she died on Monday morning following a 17-year long battle with cancer.

Born in May 1958, she became friends with future Roxette companion Per Gessle.

Following a successful solo debut in 1984, Fredriksson became one of Sweden's most successful artists.

In 1986 she teamed up with Gessle in Roxette with the ambition to reach outside Sweden.

The debut single 'Neverending Love' followed by the album 'Pearls of Passion' in 1986 made them stars in Sweden, but international recognition would have to wait until the single 'The Look' in 1989.

This song opened the doors to a massive international breakthrough.

It was their first number one single on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and would be followed by 'Listen To Your Heart', 'It Must Have Been Love' and 'Joyride'.

This success, with sales of more than 80 million records, paved the way for several worldwide tours.

In 2002, she was diagnosed with a severe brain tumour - receiving an aggressive treatment which was ultimately successful.

She returned to the stage in 2009 with the second coming of Roxette - which resulted in several new albums and tours.

By 2016, her doctors advised her to stop touring and focus on her health.

Her management say in a statement: "Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy. Her amazing voice - both strong and sensitive - and her magical live performances will be remembered by all of us who was lucky enough to witness them.

"But we also remember a wonderful person with a huge appetite for life, and woman with a very big heart who cared for everybody she met."

On his bandmate, Per Gessle says: "Time goes by so quickly. It's not that long ago we spent days and nights in my tiny apartment in Halmstad, listening to music we loved, sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share.

"Thank you, Marie, thanks for everything. You were an outstanding musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer.

"Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most beautiful colours.

"You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years.

"I'm proud, honoured and happy to have been able to share so much of your time, talent, warmth, generosity and sense of humour.

"All my love goes out to you and your family. Things will never be the same."

She is survived by her husband, Mikael Bolyos, and her two children Josefin and Oscar.

A private funeral is to be held.