‘I didn’t even know she was ill’: Stevie Nicks pays emotional tribute to late ‘best friend’ and bandmate Christine McVie

Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks has penned an emotional tribute to her late “best friend” and fellow band member Christine McVie who passed away on Wednesday, November 30 at the age of 79.

Sharing the handwritten note on social media, Nicks said she wasn’t aware her friend was sick and missed the opportunity to say goodbye.

“A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away,” Nicks wrote.

“I didn’t even know she was ill until late Saturday night.”

Once she heard McVie was ill, the singer had urgently wanted to get to her bedside and sing her a particular song, close to her heart.

“I wanted to get to London; I wanted to get to London – but we were told to wait. So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around in my head, over and over and over. I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her, and so, I’m singing it to her now,” she said.

“I always knew I would need these words one day. It’s all I can do now…”

Writing out the lyrics, Nicks dedicated Hallelujah by Haim, to her beloved friend.

“I had a best friend / But she has come to pass /One I wish I could see now / You always remind me / That memories will last / These arms reach out / You were there to protect me / Like a shield /Long hair running with me / Through the field… / Everywhere, / You’ve been with me all along,” the lyrics read.

“Why me? / How’d I get this hallelujah.”

Nicks signed off her emotional note with: “See you on the other side my love”.

“Don’t forget me – always, Stevie,” she wrote.

pic.twitter.com/shclwCGpuu

— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) November 30, 2022

Fans of both influential women flooded Twitter with messages of condolences.

You’ve brought me to tears again, Stevie. So many of us will always cherish the magic you all created!

— Leah Voss Peralta ???? (@LeahVossVisuals) November 30, 2022

My heart is broken for you. I know how it feels to loose a best friend. It’s like a piece of your heart is torn out of your chest. There’s always that emptiness inside . We love you Christine and you are missed ???????? pic.twitter.com/Xro834vLtQ

— ➰❤️Faith❤️➰ #SAVESHADOWHUNTERS (@aeroblonde21) November 30, 2022

I’m so so sorry, sweet girl, on the passing of your soul-sister Christine. You two ruled the Rock-n-Roll world together and I know songwriting and music for you, or any of us, won’t be the same without her. pic.twitter.com/ODdmgTgZ9V

— Snow Brooks ???? (@SnowBrooks_) November 30, 2022

McVie’s family issued a statement to social media announcing “with a heavy heart” that the 79-year-old had passed away “peacefully” in hospital.

“It is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death. She passed away peacefully at the hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness,” the statement read.

“She was in the company of her family.