Mick Jagger remembers Marianne Faithfull: 'Part of my life for so long'

Mick Jagger is paying respects to late musician Marianne Faithfull, who died at 78. 

The death of the music legend, who was best known for her single As Tears Go By, was shared with the BBC this morning, and hours later, Jagger reflected on her life.

The Rolling Stones musician, 81, penned an emotional tribute to Faithfull in which he candidly discussed their decades-long friendship and romantic relationship.

READ MORE: Marianne Faithfull, music legend and '60s pop star dies

Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones, and late actress Marianne Faithfull. (PA Images via Getty Images)

"I am so saddened to hear of the death of Marianne Faithfull," Jagger wrote on Instagram, accompanied by several photos of the singer.

"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."

A spokesperson told the BBC that Faithfull had died.

READ MORE: Patti Smith collapses on stage mid-performance

"Marianne passed away peacefully in London," a spokesperson confirmed. (WireImage)

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull," it began.

"Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed."

Faithfull's cause of death is unknown at the time of publishing.

READ MORE: 'What is happening?' Guests realise shocking truth as MAFS bride walks down the aisle

Fellow Rolling Stone Keith Richards, 81, also paid his respects to Faithfull with an Instagram post

"My heartfelt condolences to Marianne's family! I am so sad and will miss her!!" Richards wrote. "Love, Keith."

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Faithfull was born in Hampstead, London, in December 1946.

At 17, she got her big break at a London party by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham and her career took off a year later with the release As Tears Go By – written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Faithfull found fame after meeting Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham. (Getty)

The I'll Never Forget What's'isname star married John Dunbar shortly after welcoming their son Nicholas in 1965. Faithfull shortly moved on with Jagger.

The couple split in 1970, around the time Faithfull stepped away from the spotlight due to a damaged voice and struggles with substance abuse.

READ MORE: Is it OK to treat myself to something sweet every day?

Faithfull stepped away from the spotlight due to a damaged voice and struggles with substance abuse in the '70s. (Getty)

Faithfull returned to the public eye nine years later, releasing her album Broken English.

The star continued to create art in her later years, and in 2021, she released a spoken word album titled She Walks in Beauty.

If you or someone you know is in need of support for mental ill health contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For substance abuse support contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.