She joined the band as a singer and pianist in 1970 after marrying bassist John McVie.

The band's 1977 album "Rumours" - one of the best-selling albums of all time - was recorded as the couple were divorcing.

McVie's family said she died in hospital on Wednesday after a short illness.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Fleetwood Mac said McVie was "truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure."

Her former bandmate, Stevie Nicks, released a statement saying McVie was her "best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975."