Iconic actress and singer Marianne Faithfull sadly died at the age of 78. According to a Republic Media spokesperson - Faithfull's music promotion company Faith -, she died on Thursday, January 30. No details about her cause of death were revealed.
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"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull," the spokesperson told several media outlets, including Sky News and the Daily Mail. "Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed."
Many prominent figures in the entertainment industry paid their tributes to Faithfull. Among them is The Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger. Both Mick and Marianne were a couple back in the 1960s, with Jagger co-writing "As Tears Go By," Faithfull's first single.
"I am so saddened to hear of the death of Marianne Faithfull. She was so much part of my life for so long. She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress," Jagger wrote, saying that "she will always be remembered."
Bianca Jagger, Mick Jagger's wife from 1971 until 1978, also spoke about Faithfull's death. "I am deeply saddened to learn that Marianne Faithfull has passed away," Bianca said. "She was a wonderful singer and a talented actress. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her son, her family and loved ones."
DJ, singer, and TV presenter Tony Blackburn wrote: "Sorry to hear that 69's singer Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78. She gave us some great songs to play. R.I.P." Writer J.K. Rowling added while posting one of Faithfull's album covers, Broken English: "One of my favourite albums of all time. RIP Marianne."
Remembering Marianne Faithfull
Born in Hampstead, London, in 1946, Marianne Faithfull began her career in music as an occasional folk music singer in 1964. Discovered by then-manager of The Rolling Stones, Andrew Loog Oldham, Faithfull released her very first single "As Tears Go By." The song was co-written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Oldham.
She started a relationship with Jagger from 1966 to 1967. She released other singles such as "Come and Stay With Me," "Summer Nights," and "This Little Bird." During these years, however, she struggled with a heroin addiction that had her spend two years on the Soho streets following her breakup with the Rolling Stones frontman.
However, Faithfull returned to music in 1979 as she released the classic Broken English. During the '80s, Faithfull turned to jazz and blues, earning her critical acclaim and success. In total, she released 21 solo albums throughout her career.
