ABBA have shared a heartbreaking statement in tribute to their long-time manager and close friend Görel Hanser following her death at the age of 76
08:49, 15 Jun 2026Updated 08:59, 15 Jun 2026
Abba issued a heartbreaking tribute to a band colleague(Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Music icons ABBA have announced the heartbreaking death of their longtime manager and dear friend Görel Hanser, who has passed away aged 76. While no cause of death has been disclosed, the band members confirmed the tragic news through a joint statement posted across their social media platforms.
Accompanying a black and white photograph of Görel, 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 tribute was signed by all four band members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Frida Lyngstad. Supporters from across the globe flooded the comments section with messages of sympathy.
Görel’s relationship with the quartet stretched back to their earliest days, when she first joined the offices of their early manager Stig Anderson’s publishing firm, Sweden Music, and his record label Polar Music, in September 1969. She swiftly rose through the ranks to become his secretary and established herself as an integral part of the organisation, ultimately ascending to Vice President of the record label.
Throughout the band’s golden era, she collaborated intimately with ABBA and ultimately took on the role of their personal manager, overseeing media relations and joining them on concert tours and publicity campaigns. She also forged deep personal friendships with each of the group’s members, reports the Express.
ABBA have shared some heartbreaking death news(Image: Getty)
To celebrate her 30th birthday in 1979, they crafted and recorded a special track, Sång Till Görel, alongside Stig Anderson, pressing only a handful of copies which were presented to her and her mates for the milestone. The tune is prohibited from airplay and ranks amongst the most coveted ABBA recordings in existence.
Görel was a familiar face to devotees and would regularly correspond directly with them about autographs and various enquiries. Visitors to Benny’s studio were frequently taken aback to find her greeting them at the entrance personally.
Fan organisation ABBA Access hailed her as the “fifth member” of the legendary band and reflected on her significance to supporters 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.
“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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