ABBA have paid tribute to their longtime manager Görel Hanser.
All four members of the iconic Swedish group – Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid ‘Frida’ Lyngstad – jointly announced Hanser’s death on their official website.
Alongside a black and white photo of their manager, the band members wrote, “It is with the deepest sorrow that 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.”
Hanser passed away on Saturday 13 June, aged 76. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Born Görel Johnsen in Skultorp, Sweden in 1949, she began her work in the music industry by joining the team at Stig Anderson’s publishing company Sweden Music and his record company Polar Music in September 1969.
Within several years, she went from being Anderson’s secretary to the Vice President of Polar Music, becoming a key figure in the organisation.
According to the Mamma Mia! stars’ website, Hanser dealt with labels around the world during the ABBA years. She also became their personal manager and friend, accompanying them on overseas trips and tours. They even wrote and recorded the 1979 track, Sang Till Görel (Song to Görel), as a gift for her 30th birthday.
Five years after the Waterloo hitmakers disbanded in 1982, Hanser started her own company, Music & Artist Service Görel Hanser, with which she handled all ABBA-related business on behalf of Ulvaeus and Andersson. She also handled the duo’s other works, such as their stage musicals, including Chess and Mamma Mia!
In recognition of her work with Anderson and ABBA, Hanser was awarded a Swedish Grammis Award in 2018.
Hanser is survived by her photographer husband Anders Hanser and their two children.
