Brita Ingegerd Olaisson Was a Strong Person - Facts about Gordon Lightfoot's Late Ex-wife

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson was Gordon Lightfoot's first wife and the mother of his two children, Fred and Ingrid. Following their ten-year marriage, Lightfoot wrote songs about their relationship and divorce.

Canadian singer and songwriter Gordon Lightfoot tied the knot three times throughout his life. His first marriage was with Brita Ingegerd Olaisson in 1963.

Lightfoot and Olaisson's union lasted ten years until the pair decided to call it quits. Although their separation remained private, Lightfoot shared about their relationship through his songs.

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson Relocated to Canada from Sweden

Sweden-born and raised Olaisson relocated to Canada to learn English while employed at the Toronto office of M.P. Hofsetter.

With much time away from home, Lightfoot developed a drinking habit and gave in to temptations from women.

Her ex-husband once described her as "a really good person" and a "strong" woman, whom he worked with until his late 20s.

Brita Olaisson and Gordon Lightfoot Often Fought

Olaisson and Lightfoot tied the knot in April 1963 after meeting during his tour. During their marriage, the couple welcomed two beautiful children, Fred and Ingrid.

By the time Ingrid was born on New Year's Eve, the pair already had marital problems. As a performer, Lightfoot's schedule demanded much of his time away from home. He knew he had to focus on his career to give his family a comfortable life. Meanwhile, Olaisson was stuck caring for their two children at home.

With much time away from home, Lightfoot developed a drinking habit and gave in to temptations from women. He also had several affairs and one-night stands. His time at home was no better. He often fought with Olaisson and lost his temper.

During one argument, Lightfoot punched a door and broke his hand, prompting them to call it quits. After they decided to separate, Lightfoot would visit Olaisson and their children, trying to rekindle their romance. However, the once-happy couple knew their relationship could not be saved.

The mutual feeling of romance had fleeted, and neither could get it back. Living apart made Lightfoot realize how much Olaisson meant to him, so he tried to win her back. "Brita gave me a sense of security that I lost as soon as she went back to Sweden," he recalled. Not long after, their marriage officially ended in 1973.

It Took Gordon Lightfoot Several Years to Get over the Divorce

The former couple's divorce immediately hit the headlines, especially since it was, at that time, a big issue in Canada. During the court proceedings, the singer admitted his faults in the marriage, including adultery.

As a result, Olaisson got custody of their kids alongside monthly support of $4,500 and $150,000 for a house. At that time, the settlements were a significant amount of money that granted Olaisson a good lifestyle.

Beyond the divorce process, Lightfoot emotionally suffered. Admittedly, it took him years to come to terms with the divorce. He said:

"When my first marriage broke up, it took me years to get over it. I had a good wife and two great kids, but the business just ate me up. The women ate me up. I wasn't able to resist. I can now, but not then."

He also claimed that the alcohol pushed him to do all the wrong things. "There's no greater catalyst to getting into further [trouble] than drinking," he added.

Brita Ingegerd Olaisson Is Reflected in Some of Gordon Lightfoot's Songs

Following their split, Lightfoot penned songs dedicated to his first wife, including "Can't Depend on Love" and "You Are What I Am."

"Can't Depend on Love" focused on his heartbreak after their divorce. The lyrics reflected how love couldn't defend him and how he ended up paying the price. He also dedicated "For Lovin' Me" to Olaisson, although his daughter didn't like the song's context. Ingrid said:

"I didn't want him to sing it because it made me angry. I knew it was about my mom. It's pretty self-explanatory [...]. My dad was going through a lot of women. My mom didn't need to be reminded of that."

After Ingrid Lightfoot's scolding, his father stopped singing the song and eventually could no longer bear listening to it. "It was an embarrassment to my wife at the time," he said.

Lightfoot's song, "If You Could Read My Mind," was also written to reflect his marriage with Olaisson's downfall.

Britta Olaisson's Life after Her Divorce

Lightfoot tried to have a good relationship with Olaisson after their divorce, as she was still the mother of his children. However, things weren't always good for them.

Olaisson spent time between her homes in Lake Simcoe and Montego Bay. She focused on herself and her children and did not marry again.

She passed away in June 2005 after suffering complications from a stroke. Her daughter shared a glimpse of Olaisson's life behind closed doors, revealing she had no vices and cared well for her health.

Olaisson also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and studying antiques. Despite being 69, Olaisson did not look a day over 60. Ingrid added:

"She was a very happy person and lots of fun. Very stable. She loved her grandchildren dearly and devoted a lot of time to them."

Nearly two decades later, Lightfoot followed his first wife in the afterlife. He passed away on May 1, 2023, due to natural causes. He was 84.

Before his death, Lightfoot married two more times, with his last wife being Kim Hasse. The pair also met on tour and eventually tied the knot. Lightfoot never had children with Hasse, but he did write songs for her.