Christina Amphlett: Biography, Cause of Death, Legacy

Chrissy Amphlett’s voice could stop a room. As the frontwoman of Divinyls, she delivered one of the most iconic—and misunderstood—hits of the 1990s, “I Touch Myself,” with a defiant swagger that made it an anthem for generations, but behind the fearless persona was a woman fighting a double medical battle.

Born: 25 October 1959 ·
Died: 21 April 2013 ·
Known for: Lead singer of Divinyls ·
Famous song: I Touch Myself ·
Disease: Multiple sclerosis

What happened to Christina Amphlett?

Early life and career

Christine Joy Amphlett was born on 25 October 1959 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, according to The New York Times. She grew up in a musical household—her aunt was the 1960s pop singer Little Pattie. Amphlett left school at 15 and initially worked as a window dresser before moving to Sydney to pursue music. Her early stage experience included acting and singing in local theatre, but her magnetic presence quickly pulled her toward rock.

Rise to fame with Divinyls

In 1980, Amphlett co-founded Divinyls with guitarist Mark McEntee in Sydney, as reported by BBC News. The band released seven albums between 1982 and 1996. Their breakthrough moment came in 1991 with “I Touch Myself,” a song that reached No. 1 in Australia, No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100, and No. 10 in the United Kingdom, per The New York Times. The track’s explicit title and Amphlett’s unflinching delivery turned it into a cultural flashpoint—banned on some radio stations, adopted as a feminist anthem by others.

“I Touch Myself” was banned on some stations, but it became a feminist anthem for many — a song about owning your body.

Health struggles and death

Amphlett disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in a 2007 television interview on A Current Affair, a moment documented by the National Portrait Gallery (Australia). She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Amphlett said that multiple sclerosis prevented her from receiving radiation treatment for the cancer, according to the Los Angeles Times. She died on 21 April 2013 in New York City at age 53, with her husband Charley Drayton by her side, as confirmed by BBC News.

“She succumbed to the effects of both diseases,” Drayton said — a stark reminder of how co-morbidities compound.

When did Chrissy Amphlett pass away?

Date of death

Chrissy Amphlett died on 21 April 2013 in New York City, according to BBC News. She was 53 years old. News of her death was announced by her husband, drummer Charley Drayton, who had been with her until the end.

Cause of death

The official cause was complications from breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, a statement confirmed by Drayton to multiple outlets, including The New York Times. Amphlett had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, three years after her MS diagnosis. The Los Angeles Times reported that Amphlett specifically stated MS prevented her from receiving radiation therapy for the breast cancer, creating a treatment impasse that likely accelerated her decline.

Legacy

Amphlett’s legacy in Australian rock music is secure. She is remembered for her powerful, distinctive voice and a stage persona that challenged conventions about female sexuality in rock. The National Portrait Gallery (Australia) holds her portrait as part of its collection, recognizing her significance as an Australian cultural figure. Tributes from fellow musicians after her death emphasized her fearlessness and the emotional depth behind her theatrical performances.

Is Little Pattie Chrissy Amphlett’s sister?

Who is Little Pattie?

Little Pattie, born Patricia Thompson, is an Australian pop singer who rose to fame in the 1960s as a teenage vocalist. She is the younger sister of Amphlett’s mother, making her Amphlett’s aunt, not her sister. The confusion likely stems from their similar vocal talents and the fact that both were prominent Australian female singers, leading casual listeners to assume a sibling relationship.

Family relationship

The family connection is well-documented but often misstated in media reports. Little Pattie was born in 1949 and became a household name in Australia a decade before Amphlett’s career took off. Amphlett mentioned her aunt in interviews, but the two pursued distinctly different musical paths—Little Pattie in pop and novelty songs, Amphlett in rock and roll.

Little Pattie’s career

Little Pattie recorded several hits in the 1960s, including “Stompin’ at the Surfwood” and “Pushin’ a Good Thing Too Far.” Her career was largely confined to Australia, where she remained a nostalgic figure. After marrying, she stepped back from performing. She did not have children, according to available biographical records, and lives a private life today in Australia.

What disease did Chrissy Amphlett have?

Multiple sclerosis diagnosis

Amphlett was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, a fact she revealed in an interview on the Australian television program A Current Affair, as recorded by the National Portrait Gallery (Australia). MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing symptoms ranging from fatigue and numbness to paralysis. Amphlett continued performing after the diagnosis, though she sometimes used a cane or walked with difficulty.

Impact on her career

The MS progressively affected her mobility and stamina. Despite this, Amphlett continued recording and touring with Divinyls. The band released a greatest hits compilation and performed live dates, though the pace slowed as her health declined. Friends and collaborators noted that her trademark intensity on stage remained undiminished until the very end.

Treatment and public awareness

Amphlett’s case highlighted a critical medical intersection: MS can complicate cancer treatment. She stated that the neurological damage from MS made her ineligible for radiation therapy, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. After her death, MS advocacy organizations noted her role in raising awareness about the disease. Her willingness to speak publicly about it helped destigmatize a condition that many celebrities keep private.

“I can’t have radiation because of the MS,” Amphlett told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s a catch-22.”

Who sang ‘I Touch Myself’?

The song’s origins

“I Touch Myself” was written by Chrissy Amphlett, Mark McEntee, Tom Kelly, and Billy Steinberg. The song was recorded by the Australian rock band Divinyls and released in 1991 as the lead single from their self-titled album. According to The New York Times, the song’s overtly sexual theme was ahead of its time.

Chrissy Amphlett’s performance

Amphlett’s delivery of “I Touch Myself” was raw and defiant, often performed in her signature leather miniskirt. Her vocal power and emotional range turned the song into a personal statement about female autonomy. The track topped the Australian charts and became the band’s only international hit, reaching No. 4 in the U.S. Billboard Top 100.

Controversy and impact

Despite—or because of—its explicit lyrics, “I Touch Myself” was banned by several radio stations in the U.S. and UK. Yet it also became a feminist anthem, embraced by women who saw it as a celebration of self-love and empowerment. Decades later, the song remains a staple of 1990s rock playlists and is regularly cited as one of the most iconic Australian songs of all time.

The Divinyls frontwoman’s battle with multiple sclerosis is detailed in Chrissy Amphletts illness and legacy, which chronicles her final years and enduring impact.

Frequently Asked Questions