Stevie Nicks‘ younger brother, Christopher Aaron Nicks, has died at age 72 after battling cancer for two and a half years.
The former Fleetwood Mac frontwoman’s niece, Nixi Parkinson Nicks, announced her father’s death on Instagram Friday, September 4. She posted a photo of herself holding her father’s hand, writing, “second star to the right, and straight on till morning. i love you, daddy. rest easy.”
Nixi also shared a longer tribute on her Instagram Story, revealing that Christopher died earlier that morning surrounded by his loved ones. “It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my father, Christopher Aaron Nicks, early this morning, surrounded by family,” she wrote.
Nixi explained that her father had been privately battling cancer. “Some of you may know that he has spent the last 2.5 years battling a cancer diagnosis, and to some this may come as a shock,” she wrote. “If this is news to you, please know it was because he never wanted people to worry about him that he kept this to himself.”
She went on to remember the impact her father had on those around him, particularly his close friends. “I know that he has left his mark on so many people, and this will leave many more than his immediate family with a piece of them missing. I know I speak for my dad when I say that his friends, his lost boys, meant the world to him.”
View this post on Instagram
She ended the emotional tribute by writing, “Rest easy, Coach. We will see you in Neverland.”
At the time of writing, Stevie had not shared a public statement about her brother’s death. Christopher was five years younger than Stevie, and the siblings grew particularly close as adults.
Christopher welcomed Nixi with his ex-wife, Lori Perry-Nicks, who previously sang as one of Stevie’s backing singers.
In a 2003 interview with You Magazine, Stevie opened up about what it was like growing up with her younger brother. She jokingly admitted that she wasn’t exactly thrilled when Christopher came along.
“By the time I was five, I was a little diva. I was out of control, so my parents decided to have another child. I hated Chris, my brother,” she contiuned. “I would pull his hair and kick him, until one day my father gave him permission to fight back. I’ll be apologizing to him for the rest of my life.”
Despite their rocky start as children, Stevie and Christopher grew much closer over the years. When she wasn’t on the road, Stevie said she would spend time with Christopher, Lori and their daughter at the Phoenix home she had owned since 1980.
“My parents live five minutes away,” she told the outlet. “At Christmas I’ll be home for six weeks. That’s when I bond with my family. My mom collects my cuttings; Chris does my merchandizing and Lori is one of my backing singers.”
Following news of Christopher’s death, fans have been sharing messages of sympathy for Stevie and her family on a Stevie Nicks fanpage.
“Sending you my deepest sympathy and warm thoughts as you navigate this loss,” one user wrote. Another shared, “Sorry To Hear The Sad News. My Condolences To Miss Nicks & Friends”
“So sorry for your loss Stevie. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,” a third added.
Other fans also expressed their condolences, with one writing, “Sending my deepest condolences!! Rest in peace Chris,” while another shared, “This is devastating news, Rest In Peace Chris, sending lots of love and prayers to Stevie and her family.”