Markéta Irglová has offered condolences following the death of her long-time musical collaborator Glen Hansard, who died in a motorbike crash on Wednesday, according to statements reported by the Press Association. The Czech musician co-wrote the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly” with Hansard for the 2007 film Once and performed alongside him in the folk duo The Swell Season.
Markéta Irglová’s Tribute Following the Death of Glen Hansard
Irglová posted a statement on Instagram addressing the sudden loss of her former collaborator and partner. “My deepest condolences to Glen’s family, his brothers and his beautiful wife and son, you are all in my thoughts and prayers,” Irglová wrote. “I am so sorry for your tragic loss, my heart goes out to you.”
The pair first met in her hometown when she was 13 and Hansard was 31. They starred together in the musical drama Once and subsequently launched The Swell Season, releasing three albums. During the promotional tour for the film, they began a romantic relationship that lasted two years before ending.
Did you know?
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly.”
Global Tributes from Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Billie Eilish
Hansard died on Wednesday in a motorbike crash just hours after participating in a traditional music session at a local pub. High-profile figures across the entertainment industry shared public tributes following the news, according to the Press Association. Former US president Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, US actor Rachel Zegler, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and pop star Billie Eilish posted statements honoring the musician.
Irish artists also remembered the frontman of The Frames, who additionally appeared in the film The Commitments. Tributes came from Bono, Bob Geldof, Cait O’Riordan, Andrea Corr, and Hozier. Fellow street musicians organized a memorial busk in Dublin on Thursday to honor his roots in the city’s busking community.
Activism and the Annual Christmas Eve Busk in Dublin
Beyond his musical output, Hansard was widely recognized for his advocacy and charity work, particularly supporting the homeless population in Ireland. Sixteen years ago, he established an annual Christmas Eve charity busk outside the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, gathering prominent Irish musicians to perform and raise funds for the homeless.
Hansard’s activism extended to multiple public demonstrations. He participated in protests against Ireland’s housing crisis, joined a march marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and took part in the 2014 anti-austerity water charge protests.
Surviving Family and Legacy
Hansard is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their three-year-old son, Christy. Tributes continue to focus on his dual legacy as an influential figure in Irish rock—fronting both The Frames and The Swell Season—and a dedicated community advocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Glen Hansard?
Glen Hansard was an Irish musician, actor, and activist best known as the frontman of the rock band The Frames and for starring in the films Once and The Commitments.
What song did Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová win an Oscar for?
Hansard and Markéta Irglová won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly,” featured in the movie Once.
Who survived Glen Hansard?
He is survived by his wife, Maire Saaritsa, and their son, Christy.
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