Chrissy Amphlett, co-founder and lead singer of the Australian group Divinyls, has died. The 53-year-old passed away on Sunday (April 21) at her home in New York following a long term battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) and breast cancer, for which she was diagnosed in 2007 and 2010 respectively.


The Divinyls' breakthrough hit, 'I Touch Myself'

Her husband, Charley Drayton, released a statement earlier today (April 22) in lieu of the untimely passing, saying, “Chrissy’s light burns so very brightly. Hers was a life of passion and creativity; she always lived it to the fullest.” His statement is but one of the many that have flocked in to show their respect for the 'I Touch Myself' singer. The band's manager, Andrew McManus, told News.com.au today that the singer had been in “incredible pain” in her last few days.

McManus flew to New York to be with Amphlett in her final few hours, with the manager saying afterward, "I spoke to Chrissy for a good half hour. She was in incredible pain and some of the things she said to me I'll never forget. I'll never repeat what she said, but it was incredibly sad." He also described her as "a true pioneer" and commended her for her bravery during her fight again MS and later with cancer. She announced her MS diagnosis on the eve of a 2007 tour, which was completed despite Chrissy being in extraordinary pain throughout the entirety of it. He said, "She performed every show, semi-crippled with MS, but as soon as she hit the stage, she completely forgot about it. Then, she'd come off stage and just collapse."

The Divinyls had a number one hit with 'I Touch Myself,' when it was re-released in 1991. The band were already five albums into their career at this point and continued to tour and release new material until breaking up in 1996. Chrissy and fellow co-founder Mark McEntee continued to perform together sporadically after the 1996 break-up.

Chrissy, with Mark McEntee
Chrissy, here with Mark McEntee in 2007, stayed strong until the end.