Morten Harket, vocalist of the popular Norwegian group a-ha, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Morten, 65, broke the news to journalist Jan Omhdal, as posted on the band's official website.

"You know him as a-ha’s iconic frontman, a divinely gifted singer, reluctant pop star, solo artist, songwriter, eccentric thinker, father of five, and a grandfather too, but in recent years Morten Harket has also been a man battling his own body. This isn’t the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson’s disease," wrote Jan.

Morten stated that he has accepted his health diagnosis.

"I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time, I’ve taken to heart my 94-year-old father’s attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: ‘I use whatever works,' Morten said to Jan.

In the article, Jan wrote: "Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, and it affects areas of the midbrain that control movement and manage communication between neurons in the brain and muscles. Although the disease is not fatal, the patient’s condition gradually worsens over time. In Norway, it is estimated that around 13,000 people have the disease, while worldwide, at least 10 million people are affected. It is the most widespread – and the fastest-spreading – neurological condition in the world.

"Morten will have to live with Parkinson’s disease for the rest of his life, but medication and advanced brain surgery at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the United States have softened the impact of his symptoms. Morten’s neurologist in Norway, Dr. Christina Sundal at NeuroClinic Norway, was previously a research fellow with the Parkinson’s team at the Mayo Clinic. Her contacts at Mayo proved instrumental in Morten receiving treatment there, which led to a dramatic improvement in his symptoms," Jan also said.

In June 2024, Morten had a neurosurgery where electrodes were implanted in the left side of his brain.

These are connected to a small device similar to a pacemaker, placed under the skin of the upper chest, which sends electrical impulses through electrodes into the brain.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered one of the most advanced treatments available in neurology. The procedure successfully delivered the intended results: with the appropriate electrical impulses now reaching Morten’s brain, many of his physical symptoms significantly diminished. In December 2024, he underwent a similar procedure on the right side of his brain, which also proved to be successful.

When asked if he could still sing, Morten said: “I don’t really know. I don’t feel like singing, and for me, that’s a sign. I’m broadminded in terms of what I think works; I don’t expect to be able to achieve full technical control. The question is whether I can express myself with my voice. As things stand now, that’s out of the question. But I don’t know whether I’ll be able to manage it at some point in the future.”

Morten's message to his fans: “Don’t worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so. Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.”

In 1985, a-ha stormed the music charts when they debuted with the album "Hunting High and Low," which spawned the No. 1 song "Take On Me." 

A year later, they were nominated for Best New Artist at the 28th Grammy Awards. But they lost out to Bruce Hirnsby and the Range.

The group's other worldwide hits include "The Sun Always Shines on TV," "Love is Reason," "You Are The One," "Crying In The Rain," "Cry Wolf," "The Living Daylights," and "I've Been Losing You."