When people hear the name Björn Ulvaeus, they often think of ABBA, timeless songs and one of Sweden’s most successful musical careers. But behind the famous songwriter was a woman who lived a much quieter life. That woman was Lena Kallersjö, a Swedish music journalist who became Ulvaeus’ second wife.
Lena Kallersjö attracted public attention mainly because of her long relationship with the ABBA star. Unlike many celebrity spouses, however, she rarely sought the spotlight. She built her life around family, work and a long marriage that lasted more than four decades.
Lena and Björn married in January 1981, shortly after his divorce from ABBA bandmate Agnetha Fältskog. They had two daughters, Emma and Anna, and lived for many years between Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The pair eventually announced their separation after 41 years together and their marriage ended in 2022. Lena later passed away in January 2026 at the age of 76, bringing renewed attention to her life and her connection with one of Sweden’s most famous musicians.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lena Kallersjö |
| Profession | Music Journalist |
| Known For | Being Björn Ulvaeus’ Ex-Wife |
| Spouse | Björn Ulvaeus |
| Marriage Year | 1981 |
| Children | Emma and Anna |
| Marriage Duration | Approximately 41 Years |
| Date of Death | January 2026, aged 76 |
Who Was Lena Kallersjö?
Lena Kallersjö was a Swedish music journalist who had a connection to the entertainment world before becoming known internationally through her marriage to Björn Ulvaeus.
She preferred to remain away from the intense celebrity attention surrounding ABBA. While Björn became famous around the world as a musician and songwriter, Lena maintained a considerably more private public profile.
Her life was therefore not simply the story of an ABBA spouse. She had her own professional background and spent decades raising a family while living alongside one of Sweden’s best-known creative figures.
How Did Lena Kallersjö Meet Björn Ulvaeus?
The beginning of their relationship was remarkably quick. According to reports, Björn and Lena met at a New Year’s Eve party connected to ABBA members Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
Björn later described their connection as falling in love very quickly. Their relationship began after his separation from Agnetha Fältskog, and the couple married on 6 January 1981.
At the time, Björn was already internationally famous. Yet Lena’s approach to life was very different. Rather than building a celebrity career of her own, she largely remained focused on her family and private life.
Lena Kallersjö and Björn Ulvaeus’ Family Life
Lena and Björn had two daughters, Emma and Anna. Their family became an important part of their long relationship.
The couple also spent several years in the United Kingdom. From 1984 to 1990, they lived there while Björn worked on business interests with his brother. Later, the family returned to Sweden.
Although Björn’s career kept him in the public eye, Lena generally protected the family’s privacy. This helped create a life that was considerably more private than the world surrounding ABBA might suggest.
Why Did Lena Kallersjö and Björn Ulvaeus Separate?
After more than 40 years together, Lena Kallersjö and Björn Ulvaeus announced their separation in February 2022.
The couple said they had experienced many good and eventful years together and intended to remain close friends. They also said they would continue sharing important family occasions, including celebrations involving their grandchildren.
The exact private reasons behind their separation were not fully explained publicly. For that reason, claims about specific causes should be treated carefully.
Their long marriage had already become an important part of Björn Ulvaeus’ personal story, making the 2022 announcement significant for ABBA fans around the world.
What Happened to Lena Kallersjö?
Lena Kallersjö died in January 2026 at the age of 76. Her death was confirmed by Björn Ulvaeus’ longtime agent Görel Hanser to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
Following her death, Björn spoke publicly about his sadness and said that he missed Lena very much. He also remembered her in connection with their daughters, Emma and Anna.
The news brought renewed interest in Lena’s life, particularly because she had spent more than four decades connected to Björn while maintaining a relatively private identity of her own.
Conclusion
Lena Kallersjö’s story is much more than a footnote in Björn Ulvaeus’ biography. She was a music journalist, mother and private individual who spent more than four decades connected to one of Sweden’s most famous musicians.
Her marriage to Björn brought her into the world surrounding ABBA, but she largely chose a quieter path away from constant publicity. Even after their separation, their shared family history remained important.
Lena Kallersjö’s is a life lived close to fame, without being entirely defined by it. A quiet presence behind one of the biggest names in popular music.
Also read: Who Is Linda Kingsberg? The Real Story of Ernie Hudson’s Longtime Wife
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lena Kallersjö?
Lena Kallersjö was a Swedish music journalist and the second wife of ABBA songwriter Björn Ulvaeus.
When did Lena Kallersjö marry Björn Ulvaeus?
Lena and Björn married on 6 January 1981. Their marriage lasted until their separation in 2022.
How many children did Lena Kallersjö have?
Lena and Björn had two daughters, Emma and Anna.
Was Lena Kallersjö involved with ABBA?
She was not an ABBA act. Her connection to the group came primarily through her marriage to Björn Ulvaeus and her background in music journalism.
When did Lena Kallersjö die?
Lena Kallersjö died in January 2026 at the age of 76.
How long were Lena Kallersjö and Björn Ulvaeus married?
The couple announced their split in 2022 after being married for around 41 years.
Who is Björn Ulvaeus married to now?
After separating from Lena, Björn Ulvaeus married Christina Sas in Copenhagen in September 2024.
