Björn Ulvaeus, a member of the iconic Swedish pop group Abba, entered matrimony for the third time on September 21, 2024. The 79-year-old musician exchanged vows with his Danish partner, Christina Sas, 51, in an intimate ceremony in Copenhagen.
The event was notable for its officiant, former Great British Bake Off presenter Sandi Toksvig. Toksvig, adorned in a gold-embroidered red cloak, conducted the ceremony using a headset microphone. The couple's attire was provided by Søren Le Schmidt, a designer known for dressing Danish royalty.
Ulvaeus and Sas first encountered each other in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2021 during the release of Abba's final album, "Voyage." This album marked the band's return after a 40-year hiatus, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their music. Abba has sold over 380 million albums and singles worldwide, with their songs streamed more than 16 billion times.
The couple made their relationship public in June 2022 at the premiere of Ulvaeus's musical "Pippi at the Circus." This announcement came four months after Ulvaeus had separated from his second wife of 41 years, Lena Kallersjo.
Danish singers Anne Linnet and Kaya Brüel performed at the wedding, adding a musical touch to the celebration. This aligns with Ulvaeus's rich musical history, as he co-wrote most of Abba's songs with Benny Andersson. Their collaborations have led to Abba's music being featured in over 60 films and the creation of the successful musical "Mamma Mia!"
Ulvaeus's first marriage was to his Abba bandmate Agnetha Faltskog from 1971 to 1979. Interestingly, Abba's name is an acronym of the first letters of the original members' names, reflecting the personal and professional intertwining that characterized the band's early years.
Throughout his career, Ulvaeus has been recognized for his contributions to music. Abba was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, cementing their place in music history. The band's influence extends beyond their chart-topping hits, with Ulvaeus being a vocal advocate for copyright reform in the music industry.
As Ulvaeus begins this new chapter in his personal life, his musical legacy continues to resonate. Abba's music remains popular worldwide, available in over 200 territories, proving that the Dancing Queen's reign in pop culture is far from over.