Music Icon Marianne Faithfull Dies at 78 – The Untold Story of Her Love, Loss, and Legacy

The famous English singer was grateful for her later years. She had been through heartbreak, loss, addiction, and health struggles in her life.

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Marianne Faithfull recently passed away at 78. She lived a full life and found happiness with a family she never expected. Here’s a look at her journey.

Faithfull’s music career began in London when The Rolling Stones’ manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, discovered her at a party in 1964. At just 16, she released her hit song, “As Tears Go By,” launching a career that lasted over five decades.

She also acted in movies and on stage. She starred in “Girl on a Motorcycle” (1968) and performed in plays like “Three Sisters” (1967) and “Hamlet” (1969).

However, by the end of the 1960s, her personal struggles and drug addiction took over, affecting her career. In the early 1970s, her addiction worsened, and she even attempted suicide. She also struggled with anorexia.

At one point, she was homeless. “My answer to everything was to get as stoned as possible and live on the street,” she once said. When asked if making herself look unattractive felt freeing, she replied, “Yeah!”

Faithfull’s health problems continued. In 2006, doctors in France diagnosed her with breast cancer. Her publicist said, “The disease was found early, and the chances of recovery are excellent.”

Despite the diagnosis, Faithfull remained hopeful. “I trust my medical team, and I will recover,” she said.

Her publicist added that while it was tough news, she was ready to fight and determined to beat cancer. Faithfull had surgery and made a full recovery.

The next year, she revealed that she had hepatitis C, a liver disease she had been diagnosed with 12 years earlier. In 2020, she faced another health crisis when she caught COVID-19. She spent 22 days in the hospital.

Even after recovering, the virus left lasting effects on her memory. “I forget things. It’s terrible,” she said in a 2021 interview. “I remember the past very well, but recent things disappear.”

The singer had no memory of getting sick or being taken to intensive care. “I only know that I was in a very dark place—maybe even near death,” she shared.

Along with her health battles, Faithfull also faced heartbreak. In 1965, she married British artist John Dunbar, and they had a son, Nicholas Dunbar. Their marriage ended in 1966.

Soon after, she started dating Mick Jagger and left Dunbar for him. During their time together, she became pregnant but sadly lost the baby seven months into the pregnancy.

When asked if this loss had a lasting effect on her, she said, “Yes, of course,” but added, “I never talk about Mick anymore, and I won’t talk about that time.”

Faithfull continued searching for true love. She married Ben Brierley from the band The Vibrators in 1979, but they divorced after six years. In 1988, she married Giorgio Della Terza, but that marriage ended in three years.

Later, she had a long-term relationship with French record producer François Ravard, which lasted 15 years. Though they broke up in 2009, they stayed close, and he continued to manage her career.

Despite all her relationships, Faithfull’s biggest focus was always her work. “Music was my priority. But men came along… and I was too pretty to be left alone,” she said.

She remained deeply involved in music and world events. After years of rebuilding her career, she settled in Paris. In 2015, after the Bataclan terror attack, where 90 people were killed, she wrote the song “They Come at Night” on the day of the tragedy.

Family became important to her in her later years. In her home, she displayed a drawing of a young girl who looked like her—her granddaughter, Eliza Dunbar.

Eliza was Faithfull’s third grandchild, born to her son, a financial analyst she had reconnected with over time. She also had two grandsons, Oscar and Noah Dunbar. Only Oscar followed in her footsteps, playing in the rock band Khartoum.

Faithfull found joy in having a family she never expected. “We went through a lot, but we made it. And I love having a family,” she said.

Music gave her strength, and her friends provided support. Despite moments of loneliness, she never wanted pity. “No way. I’m so grateful I lived long enough to find peace,” she said.

On January 30, 2025, Faithfull’s journey came to an end. Her spokesperson confirmed the news.

“With deep sadness, we announce the passing of singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull. She died peacefully in London, surrounded by family.”

Fans and celebrities shared emotional tributes. Mick Jagger posted a message online: “I am so saddened by Marianne Faithfull’s death.” He called her a talented singer, actress, and a special part of his life.

Fans also expressed their grief. “She will be missed. RIP,” one wrote. Another added, “A beautiful woman and so talented. Another legend gone.”

Faithfull’s life was full of ups and downs, but she left behind a lasting legacy in music and art. Though she faced struggles, she found peace in her later years with her family and her music.