SIR Mick Jagger has paid an emotional tribute to his “beautiful” ex Marianne Faithfull after the singer and actress died aged 78.
The Rolling Stones legend said he was “saddened” to hear of Marianne’s death in a statement posted on social media site X.
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The rocker said: “She was so much part of my life for so long.
“She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress. She will always be remembered.”
Jagger also shared four photos, including two black and white snaps of him with Marianne and two pictures of just her.
The pair dated for four years between 1966 and 1970 and were the ‘it’ couple of the 1960s British music scene.
Marianne claimed to to be the inspiration for the legendary Stones song You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
She Classic Rock Magazine in 2011: “I know they used me as a muse for those tough drug songs. I knew I was being used but it was for a worthy cause.”
In 1967, she was found in a drugs bust naked and wearing only a rug at guitarist Keith Richards’ home.
Richards also shared a tribute saying he is “so sad” following the death of Marianne.
“My heartfelt condolences to Marianne’s family! I’m so sad and will miss her!! Love, Keith,” he wrote in a statement on X.
Richards also posted a photograph of the two of them toasting a drink together.
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Marianne passed away Thursday surrounded by her family.
In a statement, they said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull.
“Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family.
“She will be dearly missed.”
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Faithfull began her singing career in 1964 after being discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
She released the top hits As Tears Go By and Come And Stay With Me, This Little Bird, and Summer Nights.
Following her split with Sir Mick in 1970, Marianne spent two years on the streets of Soho while addicted to heroin.
But she returned to release the new wave-influenced album Broken English in 1979, which is now regarded as a classic.
HEALTH BATTLES
In the early 2000s, Marianne faced a number of health scares.
In 2004 she called off the European leg of a world tour, promoting Before The Poison after collapsing on stage in Milan.
She was hospitalised for exhaustion and she was back on stage by 2005.
But in 2006 Marianne was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo surgery.
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The tumor was caught at an early stage and the singer made a full recovery.
She was quoted as saying at the time: “It has been an extraordinary experience and, in many ways, extremely positive.
“I didn’t realise how many true friends I had. I feel so lucky and loved and thank everybody for all their good thoughts.”
Then in 2007 the iconic artist opened up about her hepatitis C diagnosis on This Morning.
She revealed she was informed she had the condition over a decade prior to the interview.
The following year another tour was cancelled and her manager, who was also her long-term partner, François Ravard blamed “general mental, physical and nervous exhaustion”.
Marianne then suffered a back injury and broken hip in 2013 and 2014 respectively which saw more concerts cancelled.
She was later open about her long-Covid battle in 2021.
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