A-ha frontman Morten Harket has revealed he is living with Parkinson’s disease, describing the diagnosis as something he has “no problem accepting”.

Morten Harket, the distinctive voice behind A-ha’s global smash Take On Me, has confirmed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 64-year-old Norwegian singer, renowned for his soaring vocals and striking stage presence, made the announcement with calm resolve, saying he has accepted the condition and remains positive about the future.

Harket explained that he received the diagnosis some time ago, but chose to go public now to maintain transparency with fans. “It’s something I’ve got no problem accepting,” he shared. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s just one of those things life throws at you.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can lead to tremors, stiffness, and challenges with coordination. While symptoms vary, many individuals continue to lead active, fulfilling lives for years following a diagnosis, and Harket’s attitude reflects a determination to do exactly that.

For fans of A-ha, the news comes as a deeply personal moment. Harket has been a cultural icon since the 1980s, when A-ha shot to fame with their debut single Take On Me and its now-iconic animated music video. The track topped charts around the world and has since become one of the most recognisable pop songs of all time. With subsequent hits like The Sun Always Shines on TV, Hunting High and Low, and Stay on These Roads, Harket and A-ha cemented their place in pop history.

Despite the diagnosis, Harket has not announced any plans to step back from music. A-ha recently completed a successful world tour and has continued to attract loyal audiences across generations. The band’s unique blend of melancholic synth-pop and heartfelt lyrics, paired with Harket’s unmistakable falsetto, continues to resonate with fans old and new.

In interviews, Harket has often spoken about the importance of emotional honesty in his music, and his openness about his health reflects that same sense of integrity. Rather than shying away from the reality of his condition, he is meeting it head-on, offering a message of hope and resilience.

Support has poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike. Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for Harket’s courage, sharing messages of solidarity and gratitude for the decades of music he’s given the world. For many, Harket’s decision to speak out is seen as both brave and empowering, helping to raise awareness about a condition that affects millions globally.

While it’s too early to say what impact the diagnosis might have on A-ha’s future activities, Harket has made it clear that he’s not defined by Parkinson’s. “I’ve always believed in moving forward, no matter what,” he said. “This doesn’t change that.”

As Morten Harket navigates this new chapter, he does so with the quiet strength that has long defined him—onstage and off. His legacy as one of pop’s most distinctive voices is firmly intact, and now, he adds to that legacy a story of grace, dignity, and unshaken resolve in the face of life’s unexpected turns.

Whether continuing to perform with A-ha or simply embracing each day as it comes, Morten Harket remains, as ever, a powerful figure—this time not just for his music, but for his courage.