Legendary British singer-songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull has died peacefully in London at age 78, surrounded by her loving family, her spokesperson announced today.
Born in Hampstead, London in 1946, Faithfull rose to prominence in 1964 when music manager Andrew Loog Oldham discovered her at a Rolling Stones party. Her self-titled debut album in 1965 launched her to stardom, featuring the hit song "As Tears Go By," co-written with the Rolling Stones.
Beyond music, Faithfull established herself as an accomplished actress, appearing in productions like "Three Sisters," "Hamlet," and "The Girl on a Motorcycle." She also lent her voice to television, including a memorable role as God in "Absolutely Fabulous."
Her career spanned multiple decades, though she stepped away from the spotlight in the 1970s while dealing with personal challenges. She made a triumphant return with her 1979 album "Broken English," which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Throughout the 1980s, she continued releasing albums including "Dangerous Acquaintances" and "Strange Weather." Her final album, "She Walks in Beauty," was released in 2021, setting British love poems to music.
Faithfull's personal life garnered considerable attention, particularly her four-year relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger from 1966 to 1970. She inspired several Rolling Stones classics, including "Wild Horses" and "Sister Morphine," which she co-wrote.
Her contributions to arts and culture were recognized with numerous accolades, including the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Women's World Awards and being named Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.
The artist faced health challenges in recent years, including a battle with COVID-19 during the first lockdown, from which she nearly died. She leaves behind a rich legacy as one of Britain's most original female singer-songwriters.