Musician and actor Marianne Faithfull has died. She was 78. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” her spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.

The Rolling Stones were a rhythm and blues band. When singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards wrote a gentle ballad, When Tears Go By, they dismissed it as a "piece of tripe". So Oldham gave it to Marianne Faithfull.

The 1960s icon passed in London surrounded by family, according to a statement from her record promotion group.

Marianne Faithfull has passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a lasting legacy as an icon of the Swinging Sixties and beyond.

From solo success with As Tears Go By to starring in films such as The Girl On A Motorcycle and inspiring the songs of the Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithfull’s unconventional shape-shifting approach to music and film made her one of the most recognisable figures of the 1960s.

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger was joined by bandmates Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood who also shared their thoughts.

The Rolling Stones on Thursday led tributes to Sixties music icon Marianne Faithfull, adding she would be forever remembered after her death at the ag

The late singer, known for a string of solo pop hits, was also the inspiration of several Rolling Stones classics

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger has paid tribute to “wonderful friend and beautiful singer” Marianne Faithfull following her death aged 78. He was joined by bandmates Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards, the latter with whom Sir Mick wrote Faithfull’s first single As Tears Go By, which reached number nine in the UK singles chart.

She was in a relationship with Mick Jagger and was considered the "muse" of the Rolling Stones - She was known for hits such as "As Tears Go By", as well as for roles like in the film "The Girl On A M

The Rolling Stones bring both Hackney Diamonds and Forty Licks back to the charts in the U.K., though the two bestsellers appear on different rankings.

Faithfull was first discovered at a London party by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who introduced her to Jagger and Richards. Faithfull's rendition of "As Tears Go By"