At 78, ABBA’s Frida FINALLY Admits the Truth About Benny’s Affair—After 40 Years of Silence
Frida Lyngstad, one of the iconic members of ABBA, has long been known for her private nature and reserve, especially when it comes to the most intimate details of her life and the dynamics within the legendary pop group. For decades, fans have been fascinated by the personal relationships between the band members, particularly the marriages and breakups that took place during their rise to fame. But it’s only now, at the age of 78, that Frida has finally broken her silence on one of the most shocking aspects of her personal history: Benny Andersson’s affair during their marriage.
In an exclusive interview, Frida opened up about the painful period she and Benny faced, revealing for the first time the truth about the affair that had been kept under wraps for more than 40 years. The confession sheds new light on the complex relationship between Frida and Benny and provides a candid glimpse into the emotional struggles that took place behind the scenes of one of the most successful bands in history.
The Affair: A Hidden Secret in ABBA’s History
For many years, rumors swirled about the personal lives of ABBA’s members, especially concerning the breakdown of the marriages within the band. Frida and Benny’s relationship, which began in the early 1970s, was widely regarded as a love story. They married in 1978, and their personal and professional lives were tightly interwoven. However, behind the scenes, things were far from perfect.
In her recent interview, Frida revealed that Benny had an affair during their marriage, something that she had never publicly acknowledged until now. For decades, this affair had remained a deeply guarded secret, and Frida had kept quiet about the matter, both out of respect for the band’s image and because of the personal pain it caused her.
“It was a painful time for me, and I didn’t want to bring it up. We had a lot of great moments, but that affair… it hurt me deeply. I chose to keep it private for many years, thinking it would protect everyone, especially the music,” Frida confessed.
The affair was one of the key factors that contributed to the tensions between the band members, and ultimately, the end of Frida and Benny’s marriage. As with many relationships within ABBA, personal and professional lives became increasingly intertwined, and the stress of both often took a heavy toll.
Why She Stayed Silent for So Long
For more than 40 years, Frida kept quiet about the affair, even as the band’s history continued to unfold. She admitted that the reason she didn’t speak out sooner was because of her desire to protect both Benny and ABBA’s legacy.
“I didn’t want to hurt anyone, especially Benny. We were both going through so much, and I didn’t think sharing the truth would have helped at the time,” Frida explained. “We had a lot of mutual respect, and the affair was something that I had to deal with on my own.”
At the time, ABBA was at the height of their success, and the pressures of fame were only exacerbated by the growing emotional tension within the group. Frida also had to navigate the complicated dynamic of being in the public eye while dealing with the personal turmoil in her marriage.
Benny’s Affair: The Impact on Their Marriage and ABBA’s Legacy
While the affair was a deeply painful experience for Frida, she did not allow it to overshadow her professional commitment to ABBA. The band continued to achieve immense success, and Frida maintained her focus on her career. However, as the affair became known to her, it strained their relationship even more, contributing to the eventual end of their marriage in 1981, just a few years after they had tied the knot.
In the interview, Frida explained that their split was inevitable, but she believes it was important for both of them to move forward and continue making music. Despite the pain, Frida emphasized that their breakup did not change the respect and love she still had for Benny as a musical partner.
“We were both extremely professional when it came to ABBA,” she stated. “Our music never suffered because of our personal problems, and that’s something I’ll always be proud of. But, of course, it was very difficult to live through personally.”
The affair and their subsequent breakup mirrored the divorce between Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog, which led to further personal strain on the band as a whole. The growing tension, combined with the emotional toll the band members were experiencing, ultimately led to ABBA’s decision to take a break in 1982, which turned into a permanent separation.
Frida’s Healing Process and Forgiveness
After years of silence, Frida admitted that she has come to terms with the affair and the end of her marriage to Benny. Today, she and Benny share a mutual respect, both for each other’s musical talents and the shared history of ABBA.
“I think time has healed a lot of wounds,” Frida reflected. “It was difficult, but we both grew from the experience. I have forgiven Benny, and I think he has forgiven me as well. We have moved on from the past.”
Frida also emphasized that she no longer carries any bitterness about the affair and that she has learned to focus on the positive aspects of her life, including her music, family, and personal well-being.
The Legacy of ABBA: Moving Forward Together
While Frida has publicly acknowledged the emotional difficulties that came with the affair and the eventual end of her marriage to Benny, she has also highlighted the importance of the band’s legacy. ABBA’s music continues to inspire fans worldwide, and their recent reunion for the “ABBA Voyage” project has been a testament to the enduring power of their musical bond.
“We’ve all had our ups and downs, but the music will always be there,” Frida said. “We’ve come a long way, and I’m grateful for everything ABBA has given me—both the good and the difficult moments.”
Her decision to finally speak out has opened the door for deeper understanding and forgiveness, allowing her fans to see a side of Frida that had previously been hidden behind the glitz and glamour of ABBA’s public image.
Conclusion: A Journey of Forgiveness and Reflection
At 78, Frida Lyngstad has shared a raw, emotional, and honest account of one of the most painful chapters of her life—the affair that contributed to her marriage’s end. By finally opening up after 40 years of silence, Frida has shown that healing, forgiveness, and growth are possible even in the face of heartbreak. Her revelations offer a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics within ABBA and give fans a rare glimpse into the emotional side of the band’s remarkable journey.
As the ABBA legacy continues to shine through their music and innovative projects, Frida has found peace with her past, and she continues to celebrate the timeless power of ABBA’s music, which remains a source of joy and inspiration for millions around the world.
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