Marcie Jones, Australian Singer of Marcie & The Cookies, Dies at 79 After Announcing Leukemia Diagnosis
The singer's death comes days after she announced that she was diagnosed with leukemia
Jones was planning a concert to celebrate her 80th birthday in late JuneMarcie Jones, lead singer of the Australian girl group Marcie & The Cookies, died on Friday, May 30. She was 79.
Jones' death comes days after she announced that she was diagnosed with leukemia. "Sorry to start the day with rotten news. I am in hospital with [leukemia], starting treatment soon," she wrote on social media, per Express. "We are all feeling very scared but I'll fight as hard as I can."
The Australian singer's death was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Asta, via Facebook on Saturday, May 31. "It's with great sadness to let you all know that my beautiful mother-in-law, Marcie Jones, passed away yesterday evening. I feel numb inside."
"Marc, never again will there be our little outbursts of song and dance. You made me laugh so hard and always gave me great advice. You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered," she continued.
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"You always said that we were so alike in many ways, and that's why I know you will always be my guiding light."
Asta concluded her post, writing, "I will miss you so much. I love you. Until we meet again to sing another song!" She included pictures of Jones, featuring her performing, smiling and making pasta.
The Australian Recording Industry Association also paid tribute to Jones on Instagram, calling her a "true pioneer of Australian music."
Jones was born in 1945 in Melbourne, Australia, according to Noise11. She started performing at 15, joining the Thunderbirds at Canterbury Ballroom and Preston Town Hall, according to her website. She and sisters Margaret, Beverley and Wendy formed Marcie & The Cookies in 1967, becoming a refreshing entry into a male-dominated music scene.
They were known for songs such as "I Would If I Could," and "All or Nothing," along with a cover of "White Christmas." The group toured in Europe, Asia and throughout the U.K.
In the early '70s, Jones signed with Warner Music and embarked on a solo career, releasing That Girl Jones in 1974. The album included the song "Gonna Get Married," which Noise11 reports reached No. 37 on the Australian music charts.
Jones shared the stage with the Monkees, the Seekers, Cliff Richard and Tom Jones. She also toured with Gene Pitney five times. She released the album Here I Am in 2005.
In March, ahead of what would be her 80th birthday, Jones posted about holding a concert to celebrate the milestone year. "I retired last year very quickly and without much thought. It caused an uproar with my family. So I am doing one more for my 80th and celebrating 65 yrs in showbuisness," she wrote on Facebook.
"Who would have thought it would last that long. I will put up details of bookings later for those who would love to join me. It will be on the 29th of June in the afternoon at the Melbourne Bowling Club in Windsor," continued her post. "More details closer to the date."
Jones added: "It will be my journey with many friends and music and film. I want it to be a hell of a party. So if you want to join me hold that date. Much love. Marcie xxxx."
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