ABBA has issued a heartfelt statement following the death of their longtime manager and close friend Görel Hanser at the age of 76. The band members confirmed the tragic news through a joint statement posted across their social media channels.
Band Members Pay Tribute
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 bore the signatures of all four band members: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Frida Lyngstad. Supporters worldwide flooded the comments section with messages of sympathy and condolence.
Görel Hanser's Career with ABBA
Görel had collaborated with the quartet since their early days, launching her career at the offices of their early manager, Stig Anderson's publishing firm Sweden Music, and the record label Polar Music in September 1969. She swiftly rose through the ranks to become his secretary and emerged as a pivotal figure within the organisation, ultimately ascending to Vice President of the record label.
Throughout the band's golden era, she maintained close working relationships with the group and eventually assumed the role of their personal manager, overseeing media relations and joining them on concert tours and publicity engagements. She also forged deep personal friendships with each individual member of the band.
Special Birthday Tribute
For her 30th birthday in 1979, they composed and produced a unique track, Sång Till Görel, alongside Stig Anderson, with only a handful of copies pressed and presented to her and her friends to commemorate the milestone. The song is prohibited from radio airplay and remains amongst the most coveted ABBA recordings in existence.
Görel was instantly recognisable to fans and would regularly correspond with them personally concerning autographs and similar enquiries. Visitors to Benny's studio were often taken aback to find her greeting them at the door herself.
Fans Mourn the 'Fifth Member'
Fan group ABBA Access described her as the "fifth member" of the legendary band and reflected on what she represented to supporters across the globe. They wrote: "We are lost for words... 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."
They added: "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."
The statement concluded: "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."
