Chrissy Amphlett – best known for her time in the Australian band, The Divinyls, has died. Her husband, Charley Drayton, who played alongside his wife in the band, confirmed the news. She died after battling breast cancer and multiple sclerosis.

"Chrissy's light burns so very brightly," said Drayton. "Hers was a life of passion and creativity; she always lived it to the fullest". The statement on the Australian Recording Industry Association's (ARIA) website added: "With her force of character and vocal strength she paved the way for strong, sexy, outspoken women." Russell Crowe starred alongside Amphlett in a 1988 production of Blood Brothers in which she played his mother. “Dear Chrissie, The last time I saw you was in the Botanic Gardens, loving life and reciting verse. That's how I'll remember you, your boy, R,” Crowe tweeted. The Divinyls were founded in 1980 in Sydney. They went on to record five studio albums between 1982 and 1996. "Unfortunately the last 18 months have been a real challenge for me, having breast cancer and MS and all the new places that will take you,” wrote Amphlett in a Facebook post back in March. “My illnesses have really exhausted this little body of mine that I have thrown from one end of a stage to another and performed thousands of shows."

The Divinyls had a number one hit with I Touch Myself, which featured in the 1997 Austin Powers movie International Man of Mystery. "Chrissy expressed hope that her worldwide hit I Touch Myself would be utilized to remind all women to perform annual breast examinations," said Drayton.

Chrissy AmphlettAmphlett [L] pictured here with Mark McEntee