Stevie Nicks reveals the choice that could have ended Fleetwood Mac

Entertainment gossip and news from the Newsweek network of writers.

Stevie Nicks has just spoken candidly about a major decision she made in the late ’70s that she believes would greatly impact her band Fleetwood Mac.

In an interview on CBS News Sunday Morning October 27, Knicks discussed her difficult decision to have an abortion in 1979, stating that if she had made a different choice, it could have been disastrous for the group. The legendary singer opened up about her relationship with Eagles frontman Don Henley, revealing she was shocked to discover she was pregnant despite taking precautions including using an IUD.

“I got pregnant and it was like, ‘Why? I have an IUD. I’m completely protected,” the 76-year-old recalls, noting that the group was already on the rise and preparing to release its third album for a time. “Fleetwood Mac is three years old and it’s big,” the “Go Your Own Way” singer said, declaring that “it would destroy Fleetwood Mac.” She acknowledged that the arrival of an unexpected child could have put stress on the band, especially after her split from guitarist Lindsey Buckingham several years earlier. “That would be a nightmare scenario for me,” she admitted.

Fans rushed to the comments of a video posted on YouTube to show their support for the rock star, with many taking inspiration from Nick’s openness and courage. “She is a national treasure. Thanks for telling the truth, Stevie,” one fan said. Another commented: “Always so brave to share these personal stories. We don’t need to do this. But it’s so important that we do it.”

Nicks has previously mentioned how her abortion influenced the band’s music, especially the 1979 song “Sarah.” In a 2014 interview Billboardthe Grammy winner said, “If I married Don and had a baby… I would name her Sarah.” According to her interview, The Eagle frontman himself broke the news of Nick’s pregnancy to the public. Rolling Stone which was published on October 24.

Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, appearing on such acclaimed albums as Rumors and Tusk. She had an on-and-off romantic relationship with Buckingham, which began before joining the group and continued throughout her rise to fame. Following their split several years later, Nicks began dating Henley, with whom she had a brief relationship in the late 1970s. In 1983, she married Kim Anderson, the widower of her close friend Robin Anderson. Nyx married him shortly after Robin’s death, believing it was a way to support Kim during a difficult time. However, their marriage only lasted three months, as Nicks later realized that it was not the best decision for her. Nix has no children.