ABBA member passed away - PHOTO

Görel Hanser, the longtime manager and "fifth member" of the Swedish pop group ABBA, has passed away at the age of 76.

The famous group released a brief statement on their official Instagram account describing this loss as "immeasurable":

"We announce the death of Görel Hanser with deep sorrow. We have lost our most beloved friend and closest colleague. This loss is immeasurable. We kindly ask you to respect our privacy during these sorrowful times."

This message was signed by each of ABBA’s four members – Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

Hanser began her career in the music industry working as a secretary at the publishing company of Stig Anderson, the founder of the group. Later, she rose to the position of ABBA’s manager, managing the group's recording studio relations, accompanying them on tours, and serving as the main line of communication with the press.

During the group’s long-awaited reunion in 2018, Hanser was the one who shared the first behind-the-scenes photos from the studio.

Over the years, she was regarded by fans as an integral part of ABBA, and the group’s official fan clubs also remembered her as the "fifth member" while issuing condolences.

Recall that the ABBA group was formed in 1972 in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The group gained worldwide fame after winning the 1974 "Eurovision" Song Contest with their famous hit "Waterloo." The group effectively ceased activity in 1982./milli.az