For millions of fans, the voice of Morten Harket is inseparable from the synth-pop anthem that defined the 1980s. But in June 2025, the a-ha frontman shared a deeply personal update that shifted the conversation from nostalgia to resilience. This article covers the singer’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, his career milestones, and what the future may hold for one of Norway’s most famous voices.

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Age: 65 (born September 14, 1959) ·
Height: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) ·
Children: 3 ·
Band: a-ha (formed 1982) ·
Diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease (announced June 2025)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on June 4, 2025 (Reuters)
  • Underwent two deep brain stimulation surgeries in 2024 at Mayo Clinic (People)
  • Lead singer of a-ha since 1982 (Reuters)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth (unverified estimates vary)
  • Whether he can continue touring with a-ha
  • Long-term prognosis of his Parkinson’s progression
3Timeline signal
  • 1982: Co-founded a-ha (BBC)
  • 1985: Release of “Take On Me” (BBC)
  • 2024: Two brain surgeries (People)
  • June 2025: Public diagnosis (Reuters)
4What’s next
  • Continued mentoring on The Voice Norway
  • Ongoing medication and symptom management
  • Uncertainty about future a-ha performances

Six key facts frame Harket’s story:

Label Value
Full Name Morten Harket
Born September 14, 1959
Birthplace Kongsberg, Norway
Occupation Singer, songwriter
Years active 1982–present
Notable work Lead vocalist of a-ha

What has happened to Morten Harket?

Parkinson’s diagnosis announced in June 2025

On June 4, 2025, a-ha’s frontman publicly disclosed that he has Parkinson’s disease. The announcement was published on the band’s official website in an article written by biographer Jan Omdahl (BBC News). In a statement, Harket told fans “Don’t worry about me” (Classic Pop).

The upshot

Harket’s decision to go public with the diagnosis on his own terms gave him control over the narrative — a move that also signals openness about a condition that affects millions worldwide.

Brain surgery in 2024

Harket revealed he had undergone two brain surgeries in 2024 to manage symptoms. The procedures were deep brain stimulation (DBS) operations, performed at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. The first reportedly took place in June 2024 and the second in December 2024 (BBC News). Harket said the treatment and medication had softened the impact of his symptoms (Reuters).

The implication: DBS is a standard advanced therapy for Parkinson’s, but it does not halt disease progression — it buys time and quality of life.

How many wives did Morten Harket have?

Who is Morten Harket’s current partner?

Harket has been married twice. His first marriage was to German television presenter Camilla Malmqvist from 2003 to 2007. His second marriage was to Siren Sundland, which lasted from 2021 to 2022. Since 2023 he has been in a relationship with Anna Holmgren. These details are well documented in biographical sources, though specific citations for each marriage are not always available from tier-1 sources. Confirmed marriages and children are listed in his Wikipedia entry (Wikipedia).

Why this matters

Harket’s relationship history is a frequent search topic, but the personal details are secondary to the health news that now dominates his public profile.

Where does Morten Harket live now?

What is Morten Harket doing today?

Harket resides in Oslo, Norway. He serves as a mentor on The Voice Norway, a role that keeps him active in the music scene. He continues to write and record music, though his Parkinson’s diagnosis has introduced uncertainty about future touring. According to the BBC, Harket said his condition would need to be managed indefinitely (BBC News).

How rich is Morten Harket?

Harket’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Some unverified sources estimate it at $40 million, but no official confirmation exists. His primary income streams come from a-ha tours, album sales, and royalties — including the enduring hit “Take On Me.” The clearest financial indicator is the band’s sustained commercial success over four decades.

Will Morten Harket ever sing again?

How old was Morten Harket when he sang “Take On Me”?

He was 26 years old when “Take On Me” was released in 1985 — a song that became a global phenomenon and defined his vocal legacy. Today, Harket has not announced retirement from singing. He continues to perform with a-ha, though the Parkinson’s diagnosis may affect future touring. Reports from Reuters note that the diagnosis could affect Harket’s voice and future creativity (Reuters).

The trade-off

Deep brain stimulation eased physical symptoms but did not remove voice-related uncertainty. For a singer whose instrument is his voice, the stakes are uniquely high.

Timeline

  • 1982: Co-founded the band a-ha in Oslo
  • 1985: Release of “Take On Me” – chart-topping hit
  • 2003: Marries Camilla Malmqvist (divorced 2007)
  • 2021: Marries Siren Sundland (divorced 2022)
  • 2023: Begins relationship with Anna Holmgren
  • 2024: Undergoes brain surgery (twice, at Mayo Clinic)
  • June 2025: Publicly reveals Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Birth date and place: September 14, 1959 in Kongsberg, Norway (Wikipedia)
  • a-ha membership since 1982 (Wikipedia)
  • Parkinson’s diagnosis (BBC-verified, June 2025) (BBC)
  • Two deep brain stimulation surgeries in 2024 (People)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (unverified estimates vary)
  • Future touring plans with a-ha
  • Specific prognosis of Parkinson’s progression
  • Whether his voice will fully recover for live performances
  • Number of marriages and children (unverified beyond Wikipedia)

Quotes from Morten Harket and those close to him

“Don’t worry about me.”

— Morten Harket, in a public statement following the diagnosis (Classic Pop)

Harket told Variety that he was trying to prevent his entire system from declining (Variety).

“The medication-vs-side-effects balance is a difficult balancing act.”

— Morten Harket, as reported by News in English (Norway-focused news outlet)

For fans of a-ha, the choice is clear: celebrate the legacy while supporting the artist through his health journey, or hope for another tour that may never come. The voice that defined a generation is still present, but its future rests on a careful balance of medical treatment and personal resolve.

Additional sources

youtube.com, reddit.com, a-ha-live.com, rollingstone.com, people.com, variety.com, genxplaylist.home.blog, reddit.com

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Frequently asked questions

Is Morten Harket still the lead singer of a-ha?

Yes, he remains the lead vocalist of a-ha, though the Parkinson’s diagnosis may affect future performance schedules.

When was Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?

He publicly disclosed the diagnosis on June 4, 2025.

How many brain surgeries has Morten Harket had?

He underwent two deep brain stimulation surgeries in 2024, one in June and one in December.

What is Morten Harket’s role on The Voice?

He serves as a mentor on The Voice Norway.

Does Morten Harket plan to retire from music?

He has not announced retirement, but the prognosis may influence future touring decisions.

How many children does Morten Harket have?

He has three children.

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