Sverre Kjelsberg, who represented Norway alongside Mattis Hætta at the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest, has sadly passed away at the age of 69.

Confirming the news to NRK, Sverre Kjelsberg’s sister Elisabeth spoke of the news to the public earlier today, revealing it as sudden and a shock to all.

Having previously been suffering a cancer diagnosis, Kjelsberg was declared healthy and cancer-free last year. The cause of death is currently unknown.

Born in 1946, Kjelsberg’s career kicked off in 1964 when he joined the Norwegian rock band The Pussycats, releasing a number of singles and albums over their 4-year period, including Psst psst psst and Mrrr mrrr mrrr.

Continuing his career as a composer and lyricist, Kjelsberg went on to compete in the Norwegian national selection Melodi Grand Prix together with Mattis Hætta, earning the right to represent his country at the Eurovision Song Contest 1980. With their entry Sámiid ædnan, the duo received a total of 15 points and finished in 16th place.