Divinyls Lead Singer Chrissy Amphlett Dies at 53

She gained international fame with hit single "I Touch Myself"

Chrissy Amphlett, the lead singer of Australian rock group the Divinyls who rose to fame with hit "I Touch Myself" in the early 1990s, died Sunday at 53 years old.

"Christine Joy Amphlett succumbed to the effects of breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, diseases she vigorously fought with exceptional bravery and dignity," her musician husband Charley Drayton said in a statement.

"Chrissy's light burns so very brightly. Hers was a life of passion and creativity," he said. "She always lived it to the fullest. With her force of character and vocal strength, she paved the way for strong, sexy, outspoken women."

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The Divinyls released six albums between 1982 and 1996. In 1991, the single "I Touch Myself" reached Number One in Amphlett's native Australia and Number Four in the United States.

Also an accomplished stage actress, Amphlett played Judy Garland in the original production of The Boy from Oz.

Amphlett was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007. In 2010, Amphlett revealed she had also been diagnosed with breast cancer.

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