Marcie Jones, the lead singer of the Australian group Marcie & The Cookies, has passed away at the age of 79, just days after announcing her leukemia diagnosis.

Jones' daughter-in-law, Lisa Asta, confirmed the news on Facebook, saying she was "numb inside" and that Jones would be deeply missed. "You made me laugh so hard and always gave me great advice. You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered," Asta wrote.

The Australian Recording Industry Association also paid tribute to Jones, calling her a "true pioneer" of Australian music.

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Jones was born in 1945 in Melbourne, Australia, and began performing at the age of 15. She formed Marcie & The Cookies in 1967 with her sisters Margaret, Beverley, and Wendy, and the group became known for their songs "I Would If I Could" and "White Christmas".

In the early 1970s, Jones embarked on a solo career, releasing the album "That Girl Jones" in 1974, which included the song "Gonna Get Married," which reached No. 37 on the Australian music charts. She shared the stage with notable acts such as the Monkees, the Seekers, Cliff Richard, and Tom Jones.

Jones also released the album "Here I Am" in 2005 and had planned to hold a concert to mark her 80th birthday, which would have been her final performance.

Remembering Marcie Jones:

• Kate Spade's Best Friend Elyce Arons Opens Up About Their Friendship and Her Private Struggles
• LeBron James Opens Up About Mental Health and Its Impact on His Life
• James Blunt Knows He's a One-Hit Wonder and He's So Happy
• Olympian Gabby Thomas Calls Out Racist Heckler Who Made Personal Insults

Image: Marcie Jones, Margaret Cook, Wendy Cook, and Beverley Cook in 1969. Credit: Potter/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty