Marianne Faithfull, Music Icon and Rolling Stones Muse, Passes Away at 78—Her Story & Legacy
The singer, actress and Mick Jagger muse leaves behind a lasting musical legacy—see her life in photos
Legendary singer, actress and Mick Jagger’s muse, Marianne Faithfull, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 78.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” read a statement issued by a spokesperson. “Marianne passed away peacefully in London today in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.“
To honor her and her lasting impact on the film and music industries, we have decided to look back at who Faithfull was and how she became Jagger’s muse. Keep scrolling for more.
Marianne Faithfull’s career beginnings
Born on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, Faithfull initially aspired to study English literature at Oxford. However, at just 17, a chance encounter with Andrew Loog Oldham, manager of the Rolling Stones, changed her life forever—leading her straight into the music industry.
A week after that party, she was in the recording studio with him, working on her hit song “As Tears Go By”—which was written by Keith Richards and Jagger.
“As Tears Go By” would go on to become one of the UK’s top songs in 1964 and served as Faithfull’s entrance into both the music and film worlds.
Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger’s relationship
Faithfull and Jagger’s connection was instant. In 1966, she left her husband, John Dunbar, to be with the Rolling Stones frontman, beginning a passionate and tumultuous four-year relationship. The pair remained together until 1970, and it is widely believed that Faithfull served as the muse for some of the Rolling Stones hit songs, including “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and “Wild Horses.”
“It’s a great honor to be a muse,” Faithfull said of the rumors. “[But] that’s a very hard job.”
Despite all the hit songs and love between them, Faithfull’s crippling addiction to heroin, Jagger’s inability to remain loyal to one woman, and the aftermath of a tragic miscarriage won out, causing the pair to go their separate ways after four years together.
“Although it was wonderful, it was only four years. It was a wonderful time, and he was great, but I don’t think I fit into that life or what he wanted in a woman, that’s all. I couldn’t do it.” Faithfull said of their relationship. “It almost destroyed me.”
Jagger did comment on his ex-girlfriends passing, writing on Instagram “I am so saddened to hear of the death of Marianne Faithfull. 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.”
Faithfull’s struggles and comeback
After her breakup with Jagger, Faithfull struggled with heroin addiction, which led to homelessness and the loss of custody of her son. She battled deep depression and multiple suicide attempts before finally finding a rehab program that helped her turn her life around.
“I think if I hadn’t taken that heroin, I’d be dead. I would have killed myself,” Faithfull said in 2014. “I think it protected me and saved me from a fate worse than death, actually. And I stand by that. Thank you, heroin. I’m not saying it’s a good idea. I was very lucky, and it was a very risky thing to do.”
After getting sober, Faithfull decided to get back to what she did best: making music.
Before her death, the singer had released 21 albums over the course of her career, with the most recent being Negative Capability, released in 2018.
Her later years and final projects
In addition to her music, Faithfull pursued acting, appearing in films such as Marie Antoinette (2006), Irina Palm (2007), and even Dune: Part One (2021).
Aside from acting, she also released two memoirs entitled Faithfull: An Autobiography (1994) and Memories, Dreams and Reflections (2008)—the former of which detailed her long-standing battle with breast cancer and hepatitis c.
Following those battles, Faithfull also dealt with the long-lasting symptoms of COVID-19, telling The New York Times in 2021, “I’ll certainly never be able to work as hard as I was, and long tours are not going to be possible. But I do hope to do maybe five shows. Not very long—40 minutes perhaps.”
“I’m focusing on getting better, really better — and I’m beginning to.”
As of publication, it is unclear if any of these health issues played a part in her death.
Faithfull family and personal life
Throughout her life, Faithfull was married three times and had two children—both of whom are alive today. Faithfull was also a grandmother, which she adored.
“I can’t iron or sew a button. I certainly don’t knit, [but] I spoil them,” the late singer said. “They have brought me great joy.”
May Marianne Faithfull rest in peace.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and/or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
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