Australian music legend dies just days after being diagnosed with leukemia
Australian music legend Marcie Jones died aged 79 on Saturday, just days after being diagnosed with leukemia.
The veteran singer fronted Marcie and the Cookies, one of Australia's first 'girl groups' in the '60s, in an era where music was dominated by male-led rock bands.
The group was one of Australia's most popular touring bands in the late '60s and supported The Monkees when they performed Down Under in 1968.
Her death was announced by her daughter-in-law Lisa in a heartbreaking social media statement.
'It's with great sadness to let you all know my beautiful mother-in-law, Marcie Jones, passed away. I feel numb inside,' she began.
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'You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered. I know you will always be my guiding light. I will miss you so much. I love you. Until we meet again to sing another song!'
The singer went solo after her group split in the early '70s and had several songs enjoy chart success in Australia.
Her biggest hit was her 1974 song Gonna Get Married, which reached number 37 in the country.
She also appeared on some of Australia's most popular TV programs of the day, including Bandstand and The Graham Kennedy Show.
Across her celebrated career, Marcie shared the stage with many world-renowned singers, including Cliff Richard, Tom Jones and Roy Orbison.
She continued to perform locally right up until her passing.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Marcie.
'Marcie was a terrific human being and one of our much loved Aussie treasures,' one person wrote.
'RIP my friend. We will miss you dearly,' a second added.
Marcie had publicly revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer, just days before her passing.
'Sorry to start the day with rotten news. I am in hospital with leukaemia,' she wrote on social media.
'Starting treatment soon. We are all feeling very scared but I'll fight as hard as I can.'
Her death came just two months before her 80th birthday, which she planned to celebrate with a huge concert for fans.
She is survived by her two children, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter.
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