Last Updated: August 3, 2026
Glen Hansard Ex Wife: Glen Hansard, the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter known for Once and The Frames, was married only once. Searches for an “ex-wife” often lead to confusion with his well-known earlier relationship. Here is a clear, accurate look at his personal history.
Table of Contents
- No Former Wife – Only One Marriage
- The Relationship with Markéta Irglová
- Why the Confusion Exists
- Later Life and Final Marriage
- Conclusion
No Former Wife – Only One Marriage
Glen Hansard married Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa in December 2022. They remained married until his death in a motorcycle accident on 29 July 2026. He is survived by Saaritsa and their young son, Christy, born in October 2022.
There is no record of any previous marriage or divorce. Public biographies, interviews, and official statements consistently list Saaritsa as his only spouse. Claims of an “ex-wife” usually stem from mix-ups with his high-profile past relationship.
The Relationship with Markéta Irglová
The person most often linked to Hansard in this context is Czech-Icelandic musician and actress Markéta Irglová. The two met years earlier through music connections and began a romantic relationship around 2006–2007 while promoting the film Once, in which they co-starred and co-wrote the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly.”
They dated for roughly two to three years and formed the folk duo The Swell Season. The relationship ended amicably in 2009. Both later described it as a natural progression from deep friendship into romance and then back to friendship. They continued collaborating musically for years afterward and spoke of each other with respect.
Key facts about that chapter:
- Romantic relationship lasted approximately 2006/2007–2009
- Never married
- Continued working together as The Swell Season
- Irglová later married and has built her own career and family in Iceland
Why the Confusion Exists
The intense public attention around Once and the Academy Awards created a lasting association between Hansard and Irglová. Their on-screen chemistry and real-life romance were widely covered, leading some outlets and fans to assume a marriage that never happened. In reality, Hansard remained single for more than a decade after their split before marrying Saaritsa in his early fifties.
Hansard himself addressed the end of the relationship in interviews, noting that they had simply concluded it was not what either of them wanted long-term and that they remained good friends.
Later Life and Final Marriage
After years focused on music and touring, Hansard found lasting partnership with Maire Saaritsa. The couple welcomed their son in 2022 and married the same year. He often spoke warmly about becoming a father later in life and the perspective shift it brought. They divided time between Ireland and Finland.
Here is a simple overview of the key relationships:
| Relationship | Details |
|---|---|
| Markéta Irglová | Partner 2006/07–2009; never married |
| Maire Saaritsa | Wife from December 2022 until his death |
| Children | One son, Christy (born 2022) with Saaritsa |
| Previous Marriages | None |
| Status at Time of Death | Married to Maire Saaritsa |
Conclusion
Glen Hansard did not have an ex-wife. His only marriage was to Maire Saaritsa, whom he wed in 2022. The earlier relationship with Markéta Irglová was significant both personally and creatively but never involved marriage. As of August 2026, the accurate public record shows one marriage, one child, and a well-documented earlier partnership that remained friendly and productive long after it ended. Understanding this distinction helps separate the real story from common online assumptions.