Morten Harket’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis Explained

There are few voices as instantly recognizable as Morten Harket’s, the man behind a-ha’s iconic “Take On Me” falsetto. So when the 65‑year‑old Norwegian singer revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, fans around the world felt a collective pause. This article breaks down what the diagnosis means for Harket, his music, and the band’s future — based on the latest official statements and medical context.

Age: 65 (born September 14, 1959) ·
Diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease (announced June 4, 2025) ·
Band: a-ha (lead vocalist since 1982) ·
Studio albums with a-ha: 11 as of 2024 ·
Marriages: 3 ·
Estimated net worth: $30 million (multiple sources)

Nine facts about Morten Harket, one pattern: a life built on music now facing a health challenge that could reshape his legacy.

What has happened to Morten Harket?

Parkinson’s diagnosis announcement

On June 4, 2025, a-ha published a statement on their official website revealing that lead singer Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The news was quickly picked up by international media, including ABC News (Australian public broadcaster), which reported the disclosure the following day. Harket acknowledged the diagnosis directly, saying that “admitting it was not a problem” for him.

Immediate impact on a-ha’s plans

The band had just released their 11th studio album in 2024 and had been active on tour. Harket’s health disclosure added uncertainty to any upcoming performances. In a BBC Breakfast (BBC news programme) segment aired on June 5, 2025, the presenter noted an “outpouring of public support” for the 65‑year‑old singer.

The implication: Harket’s openness about his health forces a‑ha’s long‑standing fans to confront the reality that the band’s touring days may be numbered.

Has Morten Harket got Parkinson’s disease?

Official confirmation

Yes. The diagnosis was confirmed by a‑ha’s official statement on their website, as reported by ABC News. Harket himself elaborated on the condition during a BBC Breakfast interview, where he described the “difficult balancing act” of managing medication side effects.

Symptoms and early signs

While Harket has not disclosed his exact symptoms, he did reveal that problems with his voice were “one of the reasons I feel uncertain about my creative future,” according to the same BBC Breakfast interview. Parkinson’s commonly causes tremors, stiffness, and vocal changes, which for a lead singer are particularly threatening.

The pattern: Early disclosure and public candor suggest Harket is trying to control the narrative, but the uncertainty around his vocal future remains the central editorial question.

Can Morten Harket still sing?

Impact of Parkinson’s on vocal cords

Parkinson’s disease affects the laryngeal muscles and can reduce vocal fold control, leading to softer speech, hoarseness, and difficulty hitting high notes. According to the BBC Breakfast interview, Harket himself said he is “trying to do my best to prevent my entire system from going into decline,” but acknowledged the voice problems are a major concern.

Harket’s own statements

Harket has not announced a retirement, nor has he declared any tour cancellations. In the same interview, he stated that his need for “peace and quiet to work” had previously kept him from speaking publicly about the diagnosis. A fan Instagram post summarizing the interview reported that he discussed his treatment and future plans, but no definitive timeline has been given.

The catch: Parkinson’s progression varies widely — some singers perform for decades, others lose vocal control within months. Harket’s own words leave the question deliberately open.

How rich is Morten Harket?

Net worth estimates

Multiple sources estimate Morten Harket’s net worth at approximately $30 million. This wealth comes primarily from a‑ha’s album sales, world tours, and his solo projects. The band’s 1985 hit “Take On Me” alone has earned hundreds of millions of streams.

Sources of income

• a‑ha’s 11 studio albums (1985–2024) produced numerous singles and extensive touring revenue.
• Solo work, including the 2014 album Brother and various side projects.
• Real estate holdings in Norway and the UK, according to publicly available property records.
• Streaming royalties and licensing fees for a‑ha’s catalogue.

The trade‑off: A $30 million fortune provides financial security, but Parkinson’s treatment costs and potential loss of touring income may erode that over time.

How many wives did Morten Harket have?

Marriage history

Harket has been married three times:

• Camilla Malmquist (1989–1998) – his first wife, with whom he has children.
• Anne Mette (2000–2008) – his second marriage, also ended in divorce.
• Inez Andersson (2012–present) – his current wife.

Current relationship status

Harket remains married to Inez Andersson. He has three children in total. Personal relationships have generally been kept private, but the marriages are well documented in biographical sources.

What this means: A stable home environment with Inez may provide crucial support as Harket navigates his health challenges.

Do the members of a‑ha get along?

Band dynamics

a‑ha has a famously complicated internal dynamic. Guitarist Magne Furuholmen and keyboardist Pål Waaktaar have had creative clashes over the years, and the band briefly split in 2010 before reuniting. Despite these tensions, they continued to record and tour, releasing their 11th album in 2024.

Public statements about relationships

In interviews, members have often described themselves as “brothers who fight” rather than close friends. A Facebook post from June 2025 urged fans to remember that “the music is what matters,” suggesting that personal disagreements are secondary to their shared legacy.

The pattern: a‑ha’s resilience as a band, despite internal friction, makes Harket’s diagnosis even more poignant — the one thing that united them was always the music.

Key Reactions and Statements

“Admitting it was not a problem for me. My voice is one of the reasons I feel uncertain about my creative future.”

— Morten Harket, in a BBC Breakfast interview

“The outpouring of public support for Morten Harket following his Parkinson’s diagnosis has been remarkable.”

— BBC Breakfast presenter, BBC Breakfast

“I’m trying to do my best to prevent my entire system from going into decline.”

— Morten Harket, BBC Breakfast

For the millions of fans who grew up with a‑ha’s soundtrack, the question is no longer just about one man’s health — it’s about whether the band’s legacy will end in studio silence or in a final tour that lets Harket say goodbye from the stage. The choice, if it is a choice, will define how the world remembers the voice of “Take On Me”.

Frequently asked questions