Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dies aged 61

Roxette lead singer Marie Fredriksson, a musician who "painted songs in the most beautiful colours", has died 17 years after first being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The Swedish star, who formed the chart-topping band with Per Gessle in 1986, died on Monday morning aged 61, her management said.

Roxette were best known for hits including Joyride, The Look and power ballad It Must Have Been Love, which featured in the soundtrack for Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

Paying tribute, Gessle said things "would never be the same" without his bandmate.

"Time goes by so quickly," he said. "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."

Fredriksson, a mother-of-two, underwent treatment which was "aggressive" but successful after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002.

She was left blind in one eye, with limited hearing and mobility, and was unable to speak for a considerable period of time afterwards.

But over the years she was able to make a gradual return to the world stage, and by 2009, she started performing again.

Roxette went on to release three more albums following a 10-year break.