ABBA have issued a heartbreaking statement confirming the death of their long-time manager and friend Görel Hanser, saying the ‘loss is immeasurable’
Abba issued an emotional statement(Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Music icons ABBA have announced a heartbreaking loss following the death of their longtime manager and dear friend Görel Hanser at the age of 76. No cause of death has been disclosed, but the band members confirmed the tragic news in a joint statement shared across their social media platforms.
Accompanying a black and white photograph of their friend, they wrote: “It is with deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Görel Hanser. We have lost our most loved friend and closest colleague. The loss is immeasurable. We ask that you respect our privacy in this time of grief.”
The message was signed by all four members of the legendary group Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Frida Lyngstad. The band received an outpouring of support in the comments as fans from across the globe offered their condolences.
Görel had been with the quartet since their early days, starting her career at the offices of their early manager, Stig Anderson’s publishing company, Sweden Music, and the record label Polar Music, in September 1969. She rapidly rose through the ranks to become his secretary and emerged as an essential figure within the organisation, ultimately becoming Vice President of the record label.
Throughout the group’s golden era, she collaborated closely with the band and eventually took on the role of their personal manager, overseeing press relations and joining them on tours and promotional ventures. She also developed deep personal friendships with each of the group’s members, reports the Express.
Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Frida Lyngstad make up ABBA(Image: Getty)
For her 30th birthday in 1979, they composed and recorded a special track, Sång Till Görel, alongside Stig Anderson, with only a handful of copies pressed and given to her and her friends to commemorate the occasion. The song is prohibited from radio airplay and remains amongst the most coveted ABBA records in existence.
Görel was familiar to fans and would regularly personally correspond with them concerning autographs and other enquiries. Visitors to Benny’s studio were often taken aback to find her greeting them at the door herself.
Fan group ABBA Access described her as the “fifth member” of the legendary group and reflected on what she represented to fans across the globe.
“We are lost for words…” they wrote. “Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to Görel Hanser. For decades, Görel stood beside ABBA through every chapter of their journey. Her loyalty, dedication, warmth, and unwavering belief in the group helped shape the story that millions of us have come to love. To many of us, she was the fifth member of ABBA.
ABBA penned a song for Görel’s 30th birthday in 1979(Image: Gus Stewart, Photo by Gus Stewart/Redfernsvia Getty Images)
“What made Görel truly special was not only the incredible work she did behind the scenes, but the kindness she showed to fans around the world. She always understood how much ABBA meant to us, and she treated that connection with genuine care and respect.
“It is difficult to imagine ABBA’s story without Görel. Her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. Today, we mourn a remarkable woman, but we also celebrate a life of loyalty, friendship, and love for the people and music that brought us all together.
“Thank you, Görel, for everything you gave to ABBA and to the fans. Your legacy will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences go to her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched. Rest in peace, wonderful Görel.”
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