Introduction
ABBA’s Enduring Bond: Benny Andersson Speaks for the First Time About His Unexpected Friendship with Anni-Frid Lyngstad
The love story of Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida) was once followed by the world as a fairy tale, only for it to end in heartbreak. When one half of ABBA’s legendary lineup divorced, the tabloid headlines were relentless, and fans believed their story had truly come to a close. However, few realized that beyond the stage lights and speculation, a lasting bond had endured.
Benny and Frida met in the late 1960s. They quickly fell in love, and along with the other couple, Björn and Agnetha, they formed ABBA. Their marriage in 1978, at the height of ABBA’s fame, seemed like a perfect ending. But the pressures of success, constant touring, and a demanding schedule quietly eroded their relationship. By 1981, they divorced with surprising calm, a stark contrast to the public spectacle of Björn and Agnetha’s split.
After ABBA went on hiatus, they each went their separate ways. Benny continued his successful songwriting career with musicals, while Frida pursued a solo path and sought peace in Switzerland, facing heartbreaking personal losses. Their lives seemed completely separate, yet the musical thread they had woven together could not be broken.
Decades later, the groundbreaking “ABBA Voyage” project brought them back together. All four members collaborated on new songs. This working environment was not only professional but deeply personal. After a long period of silence, Benny recently gave a rare interview. He expressed his deep admiration for Frida’s dignity during their divorce and revealed that, after everything, they are still friends.
Benny’s confession brought an outpouring of emotion and a sense of peace to millions of fans. It proved that their story was not just about a love that ended, but about a lasting friendship and respect. In the end, their bond endured not because of romance but because of the deep understanding, kindness, and shared history they had created together.