Marianne Faithfull, the beloved British pop icon who first rose to prominence in the 1960s and became a muse for the Rolling Stones, has died at the age of 78. Her passing was confirmed by her spokesperson, who stated that she "passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family."

Born in Hampstead, London on December 29, 1946, Faithfull's ascent in the music world began when she was discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham at a party in 1964. This led to her first major hit, "As Tears Go By," which was penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. She was only 17 at the time, quickly becoming one of the leading voices of the British Invasion, a musical movement that flooded the United States with UK artists.

Faithfull’s career spanned more than five decades and included the release of 21 albums, but not without its struggles. The singer faced numerous personal battles, including drug addiction and homelessness. Following her relationship with Jagger and their tumultuous breakup in the 1970s, she fell into addiction but eventually managed to make a significant comeback with her album "Broken English" in 1979, which garnered widespread acclaim.

She often spoke candidly about her experiences, detailing the highs and lows of her life as a star. In her autobiography, she described the rock and roll lifestyle and her relationships with other influential artists, including Bob Dylan and John Lennon.

Throughout her life, Faithfull endured and overcame many challenges, including battling with cancer and the effects of a severe COVID-19 infection in 2020 that led her to a coma. Her resilience earned her respect not only as a musician but also as an actress, with roles in films like The Girl on a Motorcycle and Marie Antoinette.

On social media, Jagger expressed his sorrow at the news, remarking, "She was so much part of my life for so long. She was a wonderful friend and a great actress. She will always be remembered," a sentiment echoed by many fans and fellow artists worldwide.

Marianne Faithfull's legacy as a transformative figure in both music and culture endures, evidenced by the profound impact she made on generations of artists and fans alike. For those who wish to honor her memory, her music remains a testament to her enduring spirit.

For more details, read the full stories from CBS News, USA Today, and BBC.