When Benedicte Adrian (60) talks about her career, there are many smiles. Already when she and her best friend Ingrid Bjørnov were 16 years old, they debuted as the duo Dollie with the album “Første akt”. Since then, there have been many ups and downs.
All the way, her parents have been the biggest cheerleaders. His father Hans Christian – originally from Sandnessjøen – unfortunately died far too early in Christmas 2001, aged 69. It was a difficult farewell for the daughter.
After the breakup: – Not looking for anyone
In the years that followed, mum Liv therefore became the big bauta in her life. Always a voice that the daughter listened to – not least when Benedicte herself became the mother of Alexia (22) and Viktor (24).
GOOD MEMORIES: Benedicte and mum Liv enjoyed doing things together. Here from a premiere of the Abba musical “Mamma mia” in 2009 at Folketeatret in Oslo. Music that both mother and daughter loved. PHOTO: Tor Lindseth
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Reveals unknown family ties
Always in the heart
In 2021, mother Liv’s last strength ebbed, aged 84 – after living with illness for a long time. Now, almost three years later, the daughter often thinks of her dear mother – who grew up in Sandnes near Stavanger.
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– We were very close, so it was a bit like losing a part of myself when she died. But at the same time, I feel that I have her with me now in everyday life, says Benedicte.
THE BIG BAPTISM: The look of mum Liv shows a mother who is very proud of Benedicte. Big brother Cato sits next to him with a good smile. PHOTO: Private
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Want to share something good
She tells about some small episodes – which many will probably recognize after losing a loved one.
– Sometimes I have to pinch myself in the arm. I almost want to pick up the phone to send her a message and tell her what’s going on, she says sincerely.
– Began to doubt myself
Benedicte is open about the fact that she has lost several close ones recently.
– I feel a bit like they are sitting up there on a cloud and cheering me on in what I am doing. Whether I’m working with my choir, the Lindeberg choir, participating in the Melodi Grand Prix or, as now – with the duo Mistra, where me and Anders Odden are planning a lot of exciting things in the future.
CLOSE RELATIONSHIP: Benedicte’s paternal grandfather was also a wonderful supporter. – He said he only bought weeklies if there was anything about Dollie in them! PHOTO: Private
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Benedicte admits that she herself has no need to dream of another world after this.
– It is important to make the most of the life we live in now. I am absolutely not sure that there will be anything more, she admits.
– Like watching yourself die!
Every day has its opportunity. As a creative artist, it is important for Benedicte to have such a motto with her in her musical development.
BE YOURSELF: Benedicte smiles behind the coffee cup. – I have always wanted to be original, not a copy. My father Hans Christian, a true northerner – always said: “We’re going out and being ourselves!”. PHOTO: Morten Eik
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But she has freed herself a lot from caring about people’s feedback about what she does. That someone should judge her.
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– For me, that is not what this is about. What I offer is: Do you want a glimpse into my world – “see where I am now, what I do”. I don’t care much about confirmation – I don’t need it. Everyone must not like what I do. But I know I gain respect from myself when I am uncompromising. Then I can pat myself on the back and say: “Now you are yourself. Now it’s good”!
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