R.I.P. Chrissy Amphlett, The Divinyls Diva

Chrissy Amphlett, singer of Australian rock band the Divinyls, has died from breast cancer and multiple sclerosis at the age of 53. She and the Divinyls are best known here in North America for their 1991 hit single, I Touch Myself, a tune that found its way onto both the alt-rock and pop charts, the dance floor at Crazy Go Nuts University’s Clark Hall Pub whenever I DJ’d, and Toronto’s Kickass Karaoke nights, where karaoke impresario Carson T. Foster made it one of his signature numbers.

Let’s not forget this scene from 1997’s Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery, in wehich Austin uses his mojo against the fembots:

Among the Australian stars leading the tribute to her are Midnight Oil’s frontman-turned-parliamentarian, Peter Garrett:

Farewell to the finest of singers, great performer, a true star #chrissieamphlett

— Peter Garrett AM MP (@PGarrettMP) April 22, 2013

And Russell Crowe, who’s acted with her in the musical Blood Brothers:

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

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 22, 2013

On her official Facebook page, you find this quote from her:

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.

You become sadly a patient in a world of waiting rooms, waiting sometimes hours for a result or an appointment.

You spend a lot time in cold machines… hospital beds, on your knees praying for miracles, operating rooms, tests after tests, looking at healthy people skip down the street like you once did and you took it all for granted and now wish you could do that.

I have not stopped singing throughout all this in my dreams and to be once again performing and doing what I love to do.

Her husband Charley Drayton said:

Hers was a life of passion and creativity; she always lived it to the fullest. With her force of character and vocal strength she paved the way for strong, sexy, outspoken women.

Requiescat in pace, Chrissy.