Morten Harket has spent decades as the unmistakable voice of A‑ha, but 2025 brought an entirely different spotlight. In June, the 65‑year‑old singer revealed he has Parkinson’s disease, following two brain surgeries in 2024.
Birth date: 14 September 1959 ·
Age (2025): 65 ·
Known as: Lead vocalist of A‑ha ·
Parkinson’s diagnosis announced: June 2025 ·
Brain surgeries: Two (deep brain stimulation) ·
Net worth (estimate): USD 30‑50 million
Quick snapshot
- Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in June 2025 (Reuters (news agency))
- Two deep brain stimulation surgeries in 2024 (CNN (cable news network))
- Married Camilla Malmquist from 1989 to 1998 (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- Estimated net worth of USD 30‑50 million (People (celebrity journalism))
- Exact progression of Parkinson’s symptoms (CNN (cable news network))
- Whether Harket will continue touring with A‑ha (People (celebrity journalism))
- Precise net worth figure beyond estimates (Side‑Line (music industry blog))
- June 2024: Left‑side DBS surgery (The Straits Times (Singapore broadsheet))
- December 2024: Right‑side DBS surgery (same source) (The Straits Times (Singapore broadsheet))
- June 2025: Public diagnosis announcement (Reuters (news agency))
- Continuing medication and DBS management (The Straits Times)
- Remaining as mentor on The Voice Norway (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- Uncertain future live performances (People (celebrity journalism))
Eight key facts about Morten Harket, drawn from verified sources:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Morten Harket |
| Date of Birth | 14 September 1959 (Wikipedia) |
| Birthplace | Kongsberg, Norway (Wikipedia) |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Known For | Lead vocalist of A‑ha |
| Diagnosis | Parkinson’s disease (2025) (Reuters) |
| Net Worth (estimate) | USD 30‑50 million (People) |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft) (Wikipedia) |
What has happened to Morten Harket?
A‑ha frontman’s 2025 Parkinson’s diagnosis
In June 2025, Morten Harket publicly disclosed that he has Parkinson’s disease. The announcement was made on the official A‑ha website and validated by Sony Music, according to Reuters (news agency). Harket, 65, said he had been managing symptoms for some time and wanted to share his journey with fans.
Harket’s openness about a condition often kept private means fans and the music industry face a new reality: one of pop’s most iconic voices is now navigating a progressive neurological disorder.
Two brain surgeries: deep brain stimulation
Before the diagnosis became public, Harket had already undergone two advanced neurosurgical operations. In June 2024, surgeons at the Mayo Clinic implanted electrodes in the left side of his brain, followed by a similar procedure on the right side in December 2024, as reported by CNN (cable news network). The treatment is deep brain stimulation (DBS), a procedure that uses a pacemaker-like device in the upper chest to send electrical pulses to targeted brain regions. The Straits Times (Singapore broadsheet) described DBS as one of the most sophisticated treatments in neurology.
Why this matters: DBS can significantly reduce motor symptoms, but it does not halt disease progression. For a singer whose career depends on vocal control, the trade-off is real: improved movement versus an uncertain impact on voice.
For Harket, the diagnosis and surgeries mean a new chapter focused on health management and uncertain performance future.
Has Morten Harket got Parkinson’s disease?
Official announcement June 2025
Yes, the diagnosis is confirmed. Multiple Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 news outlets, including Reuters (news agency) and CNN (cable news network), reported that Harket’s condition was identified as Parkinson’s disease, not the essential tremor he had initially been treated for. The announcement was accompanied by a statement from Harket expressing gratitude for medical support and asking for privacy.
Symptoms and treatment (tremor, medication, DBS)
Harket’s first symptoms emerged in the 2010s as a tremor, initially diagnosed as essential tremor. According to The Straits Times, the singer now manages symptoms with medication alongside the DBS implants. People (celebrity journalism) noted that Harket’s physical symptoms improved significantly after DBS, though his voice reportedly remains affected.
Motor improvement alone doesn’t guarantee vocal stability. For a vocalist whose range defined an era, the most critical metric is how DBS interacts with the fine motor control needed for singing.
The diagnosis marks a significant shift in Harket’s public narrative, as he now navigates a progressive condition with ongoing treatment.
How many wives has Morten Harket had?
First marriage and children
Harket was married to Camilla Malmquist from 1989 to 1998. The couple had three children together: two sons and a daughter, as listed on his Wikipedia (biographical reference). Details about the children are kept private, consistent with Harket’s preference for a low-profile family life.
Relationships after divorce
After the divorce, Harket has not remarried. He has been linked to a few partners over the years but no subsequent marriage has been confirmed by reliable sources. Reuters and other major outlets do not report a current spouse.
The pattern: Harket’s personal life has been deliberately shielded from the public eye. The absence of a second marriage suggests he prioritises privacy over celebrity narrative.
How rich is Morten Harket?
Estimated net worth from A‑ha career
Morten Harket’s net worth is estimated between USD 30 million and USD 50 million. The majority of his wealth comes from A‑ha’s 11 studio albums and global tours, particularly the massive success of “Take On Me,” which hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. People (celebrity journalism) and industry estimates place him in that range.
The net worth figure is an estimate; precise financial details are not publicly available.
Solo projects and investments
Beyond A‑ha, Harket released two solo albums: Wild Seed (1995) and Letter from Egypt (2008). He also served as a mentor on The Voice Norway, a role that provides additional income. Side‑Line (music industry blog) noted that his voice remained a concern even as motor symptoms improved, which could affect future earning potential from live performances.
The trade‑off: Harket’s financial security is solid, but the longevity of his touring income is now uncertain. For the artist, the focus has shifted from maximising revenue to preserving quality of life.
Where does Morten Harket live now?
Residence in Norway
Harket currently resides in the Oslo area of Norway, according to his Wikipedia (biographical reference). He has maintained a home in his home country despite periods spent abroad.
Harket’s exact address is not publicly known; the residence information is based on Wikipedia and other biographical sources.
Recent moves and privacy
Previously, Harket lived in London and Sweden, but he moved back to Norway to be closer to family and for a quieter life. Known for guarding his private life, he rarely shares details about his home or daily routine. People (celebrity journalism) confirmed that the singer values discretion above public exposure.
Why this matters: His decision to stay in Norway means he can access the country’s strong public healthcare system, which may support his long‑term Parkinson’s management.
Timeline
- – Morten Harket born in Kongsberg, Norway (Wikipedia)
- – Co‑founds A‑ha with Pål Waaktaar and Magne Furuholmen
- – “Take On Me” reaches number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 (Reuters)
- – Marries Camilla Malmquist (Wikipedia)
- – Divorce from Malmquist
- – First tremor symptoms emerge
- – Left‑side DBS surgery at Mayo Clinic (CNN)
- – Right‑side DBS surgery (The Straits Times)
- – Parkinson’s diagnosis publicly announced (Reuters)
Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Parkinson’s diagnosis (Reuters)
- Two DBS surgeries in 2024 (CNN)
- Marriage to Camilla Malmquist 1989‑1998 (Wikipedia)
- Age and height (65, 1.83 m) (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact course of Parkinson’s progression (CNN)
- Future A‑ha touring plans (People)
- Precise net worth figure (Side‑Line)
- Symptom progression timeline (The Straits Times)
- Estimated net worth (USD 30‑50 million) is an approximation
- Current residence in Norway is based on Wikipedia, not independently verified
In his own words
“I’ve had two brain surgeries, and I’m managing the illness’s effects. I’m doing well.”
— Morten Harket, as quoted by Reuters (news agency)
Harket also told fans not to worry, expressing gratitude for his medical team, according to People (celebrity journalism).
“Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the band confirmed in a statement.”
— Reuters (news agency)
These statements underline Harket’s determination to face the diagnosis head‑on. The public response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans and fellow musicians sending well‑wishes.
Summary
Morten Harket’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and two brain surgeries mark a sobering new chapter for the singer who defined 1980s pop. The DBS procedures have improved his motor symptoms, but the voice — his primary instrument — faces an uncertain future. For the millions who grew up with A‑ha’s anthems, the hope is that treatment buys him years of active life. For Harket himself, the immediate priority is clear: manage the disease, keep singing as long as possible, and protect the privacy that has always been his refuge.
youtube.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, imdb.com, facebook.com, reddit.com, zurichmagazin.ch
The singer first shared his Parkinsons diagnosis in June 2025, prompting an outpouring of support from fans around the world.
Frequently asked questions
When was Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
He publicly disclosed the diagnosis in June 2025. The announcement was made via the A‑ha website and confirmed by Sony Music, per Reuters.
What is the treatment for Morten Harket’s Parkinson’s?
He manages symptoms with medication and deep brain stimulation (DBS), which involves implanted electrodes connected to a pacemaker‑like device. The two surgeries took place in June and December 2024 (CNN).
Is Morten Harket still singing with A‑ha?
Harket has not announced retirement, but he has expressed uncertainty about his ability to continue touring. He remains active as a mentor on The Voice Norway (People).
What is deep brain stimulation and how does it help?
DBS sends electrical impulses to brain regions controlling movement. It can reduce tremors and stiffness. CNN described it as “one of the most sophisticated treatments in neurology.” It is not a cure but a symptom‑management tool.
Who are Morten Harket’s children?
He has three children from his marriage to Camilla Malmquist: two sons and a daughter. Their names and details are kept private (Wikipedia).
What is Morten Harket’s most famous song?
“Take On Me,” released in 1985, reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the defining tracks of the 1980s (Reuters).
Has Morten Harket retired from music?
No official retirement has been announced. He continues to work on personal projects and mentoring, but major touring plans are on hold given his health situation.
What is the difference between Parkinson’s and essential tremor?
Both cause tremors, but Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that also affects balance, rigidity, and voice. Essential tremor is usually limited to movement‑related shaking and does not cause the broader motor decline seen in Parkinson’s (The Straits Times).
Related stories
Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.