Björn Ulvaeus, the iconic ABBA member, discussed overcoming his initial concerns about the 28-year age difference with his wife, Christina Sas. In a recent interview, he described their meeting as “love at first sight,” despite his early inner turmoil about their age gap. Ultimately, he embraced their relationship, stating that their love transcended the issue. The couple married last September after connecting during ABBA’s final project in 2021. Ulvaeus also highlighted the ongoing success of the ABBA Voyage concert in London, which creatively uses digital avatars for performances, and pondered its future after questions about longevity and ethics.
Björn Ulvaeus, a legendary voice of ABBA, has opened up about how he addressed his concerns regarding the 28-year age difference between him and his partner, Christina Sas.
In an interview with The Times published on Thursday, the Swedish artist, who will celebrate his 80th birthday later this month, reflected on his first encounter with Sas, 52, describing it as “love at first sight.” However, the noticeable age gap initially caused him some internal conflict.
“Right away, I struggled with myself over the age difference. When someone becomes romantically involved with someone significantly younger, they often question, ‘Am I making the right choice?’” he confessed.
ABBA star Björn Ulvaeus and his partner Christina Sas arrive for the premiere of the circus musical “Pippi på Cirkus,” July 2022. dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images
Björn Ulvaeus has discussed how he managed his feelings regarding the 28-year age difference between him and Christina Sas.
Ultimately, Ulvaeus chose to release his worries. “In the end, I let go. I thought, ‘It’s her choice — if she loves an older man and we’re happy together…’” he remarked. “Age is no obstacle for us now — we seldom even mention it.”
When reflecting on what “love at first sight” signifies for him, Ulvaeus described the feeling as “spectacular” and “fantastic,” highlighting the need for emotional vulnerability. “You must be open, with your antennas out,” he advised. “You must be willing to take risks and be adventurous.”
The couple tied the knot last September in Copenhagen. Sas, who works in the music industry, met Ulvaeus in 2021 while aiding in the launch of ABBA’s last studio venture, “Voyage.” Their bond developed quickly, and by spring 2022 — shortly after Ulvaeus’s divorce from his second wife — they began dating.
The Swedish musician who is about to turn 80 recounted his first meeting with Sas, 52, noting that it was “love at first sight,” although the large age gap caused him some initial internal strife. Getty Images
“At first, I wrestled with myself about the age gap. When a person meets someone much younger and falls in love, they often wonder, ‘Am I doing this right?’” he confessed. Getty Images
This is Ulvaeus’s third marriage. He was previously married to fellow ABBA member Agnetha Fältskog from 1971 to 1980, with whom he shares two children: Linda, 52, and Peter, 47. He has two daughters from his second marriage to music journalist Lena Källersjö, which lasted 41 years.
Aside from discussing his personal journey, Ulvaeus also reflected on the ongoing success of the ABBA Voyage concert in London, which features digital avatars to recreate live renditions of the band’s classic hits.
The immersive experience is set to continue until January.
In addition to personal insights, Ulvaeus discussed the successful ABBA Voyage concert in London, featuring digital avatars for re-enacting live performances. Getty Images
The members of the Swedish pop group ABBA (L-R) Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog, and Bjorn Ulvaeus celebrating their win at the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo” in 1974. AFP via Getty Images
Looking ahead, Ulvaeus expressed uncertainty about how the concert might progress in the future. “We have permission to stay in our venue until 2029, but ticket sales may fluctuate, and you can never be sure. Is it appropriate to continue when one is no longer here? That’s a significant ethical dilemma,” he noted.
He also referenced Agatha Christie’s play “The Mousetrap,” which has been running in London since 1952, as a potential example for the Voyage concert. “Did Agatha Christie struggle with ‘The Mousetrap’? Once you’re gone, you’re gone, but… my children might find value in it,” he remarked.