# At 78, Benny Andersson Finally Confirms the Truth About Her

Benny Andersson, a musical genius behind ABBA, has shaped pop history with timeless hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia.” Born in Stockholm in 1946, Andersson’s early exposure to music through his accordion-playing father and grandfather ignited a lifelong passion.

From teaching himself piano at 10 to joining the Hep Stars in 1964, he quickly became a teen idol and prolific songwriter in Sweden. However, behind the glittering success of ABBA, personal struggles loomed. At 78, Andersson has finally opened up about his past, particularly his relationship with Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida), and ABBA’s enduring legacy.

Andersson met Frida in 1969 during Sweden’s Melody Festival, sparking both a romantic and creative partnership. Alongside Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog, they formed ABBA, achieving global fame after winning Eurovision in 1974 with “Waterloo.”

Their music dominated charts worldwide, but personal lives suffered under fame’s pressure.

Andersson and Frida married in 1978 at ABBA’s peak, yet by 1981, their marriage dissolved. Benny soon married Mona Nörklit, a move that deeply hurt Frida. At the time, he maintained they remained friends for the music’s sake, with Frida candidly stating, “We simply grew out of each other. Breaking up became a necessity.”

In a poignant moment at the third anniversary of the ABBA Voyage concert in London on May 27, 2025, Andersson and Frida, now 79, made a rare joint appearance. The digital avatar show, featuring holographic versions of ABBA in their 1970s prime, has revitalized their legacy, contributing £322 million to the British economy.

As the crowd cheered, Frida expressed gratitude, saying, “I love you very much. Thank you for all your support over the years.” Andersson lightened the mood with a playful joke, eliciting laughter from Frida, a testament to their enduring respect despite past pain. This public gesture revealed a healed connection, confirming the affection that persists after decades of personal challenges.

ABBA’s story is intertwined with both romance and heartbreak, as the band comprised two couples whose divorces—Andersson and Frida, Ulvaeus and Fältskog—coincided with their 1982 disbandment.

While Andersson and Ulvaeus thrived post-ABBA with projects like “Chess” and “Mamma Mia,” Frida faced profound losses, including her daughter’s death in 1998 and her husband’s passing in 1999. Despite these hardships, the 2021 album “Voyage” marked a reunion, reflecting their unbreakable bond.

Andersson’s confirmation of lingering warmth toward Frida at the Voyage event underscores a narrative of reconciliation. As “Mamma Mia” and “Chess” return to Broadway in 2025, his creative partnership with Ulvaeus continues to inspire. ABBA’s music, preserved through innovative shows like Voyage, bridges generations, proving that even amidst personal turmoil, their legacy of love and harmony endures.