Introduction
ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus Opens Up About Struggles in Marriage to Younger Wife – “I Just Gave Up”
At 79, ABBA legend Björn Ulvaeus is no stranger to life in the spotlight. Known for his glittering career with one of the most successful pop groups in history, Ulvaeus has always been guarded about his personal life. However, in a rare and candid moment, the Swedish musician has opened up about the challenges he faced in his marriage to his second wife, journalist and music producer Lena Källersjö — a relationship marked by a 28-year age gap.
The couple married in 1981, just as ABBA was beginning to wind down its original run. Their union, at first, seemed like a perfect harmony. Lena, then in her thirties, was vibrant, ambitious, and full of life, while Björn was a seasoned songwriter and performer navigating the aftermath of his divorce from fellow ABBA member Agnetha Fältskog. Yet behind the smiles and public appearances, Ulvaeus admits that the age difference brought with it “severe problems” that gradually became impossible to ignore.
“In the beginning, you convince yourself it doesn’t matter,” he confessed in a recent interview. “Love is strong enough to bridge any gap — or so you think. But over time, the differences in energy, in lifestyle, in long-term goals… they start to wear you down.”
Ulvaeus explained that their perspectives on life naturally diverged as the years went by. While Lena still had the drive to explore new experiences and chase ambitious projects, Björn found himself slowing down, valuing quiet moments over constant activity. “It wasn’t anyone’s fault,” he clarified. “We were simply living at different speeds.”
The former couple kept much of their private struggles hidden from public view. Ulvaeus, a master of crafting upbeat melodies, did not want the world to see the discord behind the curtain. “When you’ve spent your career bringing people joy through music, it’s hard to admit you can’t fix your own story,” he said.
After nearly four decades together, they announced their separation in 2022. Björn now admits that the decision was not sudden but the result of years of trying to reconcile their differences. “I just gave up,” he said plainly. “Not because I stopped caring, but because I realized holding on was keeping both of us from being truly happy.”
Despite the split, there is no bitterness between them. Ulvaeus speaks warmly of Lena’s talents and the life they shared, emphasizing that their years together were filled with meaningful moments. “She’s an incredible woman. We had adventures, we had love, we raised a family. I will always cherish that,” he reflected.
Now, as he enters his ninth decade, Björn remains active in music and cultural projects, but with a renewed focus on personal fulfillment. “Life is too short to live in compromise every day,” he said. “At some point, you have to be honest — with yourself and with the person you love.”
For a man whose songs have defined generations, this new chapter is not about chart success or public acclaim. It’s about peace, acceptance, and the freedom to live authentically — even when that means letting go.