Brita Ingegerd Olaisson was the first wife of renowned songwriter and musician, Gordon Lightfoot. She was born on November 17, 1939 in Ontario, Canada. The couple fell in love and were married, eventually having two children together.

However, their marriage ultimately ended after ten years. This was a difficult and significant time for both Brita and Lightfoot. During this period, Lightfoot wrote emotionally charged songs inspired by their relationship and separation. These songs resonated with audiences worldwide and shared their story.

This article will provide insight into the life of Brita Ingegerd Olaisson, her marriage to Gordon Lightfoot, and their children together.

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson & Gordon Lightfoot Love Story

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson and Lightfoot first met in 1962 when Lightfoot was beginning his career. Brita, a Swedish beauty, resided in the same Toronto neighborhood as Lightfoot. After crossing paths during one of Lightfoot’s tours, Olaisson and Lightfoot tied the knot in April of 1963.

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson and Gordon Lightfoot’s Troubled Marriage

Brita Olaisson and Gordon Lightfoot had two children together, Fred and Ingrid. However, their marriage faced difficulties from the beginning due to Lightfoot’s frequent absences for his music career. As the main provider for their family, he was focused on his job while Olaisson took care of their children alone.

Lightfoot’s absence led him to turn to drinking and infidelity, having affairs and one-night stands with other women. The situation at home was also strained, with frequent fights and Lightfoot’s loss of temper.

During one fight, Lightfoot became so angry that he punched a door and injured his hand. This incident prompted them to separate. Despite Lightfoot’s attempts to reconcile with Olaisson and their children, they both knew that their relationship could not be salvaged. The love they once shared had disappeared.

Living apart from Olaisson made Lightfoot come to the realization of how much he deeply missed her and the significance she held in his life. In an effort to regain her love, he attempted to reconcile with her after feeling a loss of stability when she returned to Sweden.

However, their attempts were unsuccessful and their marriage was officially dissolved in 1973. The news of their divorce garnered attention, particularly in Canada where it was considered a significant event. During the divorce proceedings, Lightfoot openly acknowledged his faults in the relationship, including infidelity.

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson: Life After Divorce

Following a court ruling in which he admitted to being unfaithful and having a drinking problem, Olaisson was awarded custody of their children and received a monthly support of $4,500. Additionally, he received $150,000 for a new house. These settlements allowed Olaisson to maintain a comfortable lifestyle at the time.

After going through a divorce, Lightfoot experienced significant emotional distress beyond the legal proceedings. It took him several years to process and come to terms with the end of his marriage. He also acknowledged that his alcohol consumption had negative effects on his life, causing various issues.

Lightfoot shared that it took him a considerable amount of time to heal and regain stability after his first marriage ended. He recognized himself as fortunate for having had a loving wife and two exceptional children but admitted that the demands of his professional life overwhelmed him at times.

During that time period, he struggled to resist the temptation of other women. However, he has since learned from his mistakes and now has the strength to resist such temptations.

After her first marriage ended, Brita did not pursue any serious romantic relationships. She remained with her two children from her marriage to Lightfoot. In contrast, Lightfoot remarried after divorcing Brita.

In 1989, Lightfoot married Elizabeth Moon and they had two children together, Miles and Meredith. Unfortunately, the couple divorced in 2011 after being separated for nine years. However, in December 2014, Lightfoot found love again and married Kim Hasse. There is limited information available about Kim or their marriage. However, it is known that they stayed together until Gordon’s passing in May 2023.

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson Death

On June 8, 2005, Olaisson passed away due to complications from a stroke. Her daughter shared that Olaisson was always conscientious about her health and had no unhealthy habits. Despite being 69 years old, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and studying antiques, appearing much younger than her age.

Ingrid described her mother as lively and enjoyable to be around, as well as being reliable and consistent. Olaisson adored her grandchildren and spent a significant amount of time with them. Almost two decades later, Lightfoot joined his first wife in the afterlife after passing away on May 1, 2023 from natural causes at the age of 84.

Bottom Line

The story of Brita Ingegerd Olaisson and Gordon Lightfoot is one of love, challenges, and resilience. Their journey, marked by separation and divorce, serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family and the impact of their lives on one another.