A video of Marirose Powell giving one last heartfelt performance of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide” before her passing has become a sensation on TikTok.
The moving rendition, posted by her daughter-in-law, has resonated with millions.
The song had significant personal meaning for Marirose, adding to the emotional impact of the moment.
“She was the most loving and generous person in the entire world,” Sam Xenos shares with PEOPLE about Marirose, her mother-in-law, who passed away from breast cancer on April 10.
On the day the video was recorded, Sam Xenos revealed that her mother-in-law’s friends brought their guitars and asked her what song she wanted to sing. Marirose chose “Landslide” and performed it one last time.
In the video, 62-year-old Marirose, in hospice care at her home in Stockton, California, sings from her bed. Despite a slight catch in her voice, her rendition of “I’m getting older too” remains powerful.
Sam noted in the TikTok post, “My mother-in-law performed as Stevie Nicks for decades. This was her final performance before she passed away the following week.”
Sam told PEOPLE that the clip represents Marirose’s last opportunity to sing with her voice.
She explained that they sang to her mother-in-law outside her window, and Marirose knew the moment was approaching.
Sam reflected, “It seemed like she stayed strong for that moment. Even when she couldn’t speak, her friends would gather to sing to her.”
Marirose, who was an ER nurse and had released three albums, initially battled breast cancer in 2021. Although she went into remission, a scan two years later revealed that the cancer had returned.
Her daughter-in-law mentioned that the family had only six more months with her after the cancer returned.
In her TikTok post, Sam expressed her longing, writing that she always wishes they had more time with Marirose.
She observed that her mother-in-law was exceptional in making everyone she met better than she found them.
“Until we’re reunited, Mama,” Sam concluded.
In her obituary, Marirose is remembered for her “infectious smile” that never failed to brighten everyone’s day.
She was also celebrated for her deeply kind and generous nature, which left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Marirose would have been thrilled to see her final performance, which has now garnered nearly 4 million views.
Sam suggested sharing her music on TikTok, and as the videos began to gain popularity, she continued to post more of Marirose’s performances.
“So I started sharing more of her work. I just remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh…they love you,’” she said.
Sam believes that Marirose, who always prioritized her family, truly deserves the recognition the video has received.
She also notes that her mother-in-law had a special talent for making people feel genuinely appreciated and improved through her presence.
She remarked, “Now everyone is experiencing that moment through this 30-second video.”
Commenters have praised Marirose’s rendition of “Landslide,” with one suggesting it might be the most moving version ever.
They expressed hopes that Stevie Nicks would see this tribute and noted how deeply meaningful the song choice was.
Nicks wrote “Landslide” while she was 27, in Aspen, Colorado. She has mentioned in interviews that she felt weary and disheartened from her work as a waitress and cleaning lady and was also struggling with her relationship with Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.
She composed the song while gazing at the snow-covered mountains, reflecting on her life.
“Landslide” was featured on Fleetwood Mac’s second self-titled album, which was the first to include Nicks and Buckingham.
The song was instrumental in making the album one of Fleetwood Mac’s most celebrated works.
Watch Marirose perform “Landslide” for the final time below:
@samxenos there isnt a day that goes by that i wish we’d had more time with her. she was truly the only person i’ve ever known to leave people better than she found them. until we can be together again mama…
♬ original sound – samxenos
