Three years ago, on November 30, 2022, the music world lost one of its most beloved voices when Christine McVie, the legendary singer-songwriter and keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac, passed away peacefully at age 79 following a short illness. Her death, later revealed to include a stroke and metastatic cancer, left fans devastated, especially as it came just years after her triumphant return to the band that defined her career. Today, a resurfaced interview with NBC’s Lester Holt captures the pure joy of that reunion – words that now feel achingly poignant, reminding us of the light she brought before it faded forever.

Born Christine Perfect in 1943 in England’s Lake District, McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970 after marrying bassist John McVie. Her soulful contralto and songwriting genius powered timeless hits like “Don’t Stop,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere,” “Songbird,” and “Little Lies.” These songs, filled with optimism and emotional depth, became anthems for generations. She left the band in 1998, seeking a quieter life in the English countryside, partly due to a fear of flying that kept her grounded for nearly two decades.

But in 2014, everything changed. Overcoming her phobia with therapy, McVie boarded a plane to Hawaii to visit drummer Mick Fleetwood. What started as a casual jam session snowballed into something magical. In an exclusive interview with Lester Holt on TODAY, the band gathered at Stevie Nicks’ home to announce McVie’s return. “This is such a poetic moment for the band,” guitarist Lindsey Buckingham shared. “The fact that Christine wanted to return… after having our own growth without her.”

McVie, radiant and excited, told Holt about grueling rehearsals to prepare her voice and stamina. “You need to do it, you know,” she said with a smile. “We’re not getting any younger.” The payoff was electric: Their “On with the Show” tour kicked off in Minneapolis, marking their first full performance together in 16 years. “There was a sense of completeness,” Mick Fleetwood reflected. Stevie Nicks added, “Almost like she never left.” For fans, it felt like the classic lineup – McVie, Nicks, Buckingham, Fleetwood, and John McVie – had reclaimed their magic, selling out arenas and proving time couldn’t dim their chemistry.

In another heartfelt 2014 conversation, McVie opened up about the emotional journey. She described surprising herself on stage: “I thought I was going to be much more nervous… but it just melted away.” Recalling her Hawaii trip, she laughed about conquering her fear and jamming again. “Who would I want to be playing with? There was only one answer.” A dinner with the band in L.A. reignited old bonds, leading to her bold question: “What would be the chances of me getting back?” Stevie’s joyful response sealed it. McVie committed fully, saying the 18-year gap “vanished like salt on a slug… it’s as if I never left.” Her intent? “To really squeeze all the fun that we can get out of it and just really enjoy each other.”

That reunion brought renewed life to Fleetwood Mac, with tours and even a 2017 duet album with Buckingham. McVie’s songs continued to inspire, blending melancholy with hope. Her passing silenced a voice that had soundtracked love, loss, and resilience for millions. Yet her words from those interviews endure as a testament to second chances and unbreakable bonds. In a world that often feels fractured, Christine’s story whispers: It’s never too late to come home. Her music lives on, a gentle reminder of the joy she chased – and found – right until the end. Rest in peace, Songbird.