Lasse Wellander, the long-time guitarist for ABBA, has died at the age of 70, his family has confirmed.
Wellander had worked on most of ABBA's music throughout the years and toured with the band throughout the 70s and 80s.
He was also involved in the band's latest album, Voyage, which was released in 2021 and featured 10 new tracks from the Swedish singers.
News of Wellander's death was confirmed by his family, who paid a touching tribute to the respected musician.
They said in a statement released on Sunday: "It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep.
"Lasse recently fell ill with what turned out to be cancer that had spread, and early on Good Friday he passed away surrounded by his loved ones. We love and miss you so much."
Wellander's love of music had begun as a child when he joined local bands in Nora, Sweden, where he lived. His professional career started at the age of 16 in Peps & Blues Quality, leading him to work with a range of artists in the years to come.
He began working with ABBA's Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad in October 1974, on their hits 'Crazy World' and 'Intermezzo'.
It was his collaboration with ABBA that was set to be one of his longest-lasting, having been involved with most of their recordings - including all eight of their albums - as well as their tours in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1980.
His collaboration with Andersson and Ulveaus continued beyond ABBA's first split in 1982 and he worked with them on the Chess project and the soundtrack to the two Mamma Mia films, including the 2008 favorite starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried.
As well as his work with other artists, Wellander also had a successful solo career, releasing his first album in 1981, which was followed by 11 more in the years to come.
Wellander's albums were mostly instrumental and his version of 'Romans from Pastoralsvit , opus 19 by Lars-Erik Larsson' spent four weeks on the Svensktoppen in 1985 and 1986.
His final album was released in 2006, the English translation being titled Simple Ticket, as well three singles - 'Overdrive', 'Merry-Go-Round' and 'O Come, All Ye Faithfull' - last year.
Our thoughts remain with Lasse Wellander's family, friends, and fans at this difficult time.