Marianne Ihlen

Marianne Ihlen (1935–2016) was a Norwegian artist and model best known for her relationship with Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.

Marianne Ihlen was a Norwegian artist and model best known as the muse and partner of Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Her connection to Cohen links her story to Canadian cultural history.

What it is

Marianne Christine Stang Ihlen (1935–2016) was born in Larkollen, Norway. She was an artist and model who became part of the creative expatriate circle on the Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s. There, she met Leonard Cohen and became his partner, inspiring his work.

Why it matters

Ihlen is widely identified as the subject of Cohen’s 1967 song “So Long, Marianne,” which remains one of his most iconic tracks. She also appears on the cover of his 1969 album *Songs from a Room*. Her story is a key part of Cohen’s early career and Canadian music legacy.

Key details

Before Cohen, Ihlen was married to Norwegian author Axel Jensen. She died in Oslo on 28 July 2016 at age 81 after a period of illness. Cohen wrote to her shortly before her death, a gesture that became widely reported.