Sigrun Øen (1963-2024), a chemical engineer and the mother of 16th World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, passed away in Oslo on Tuesday at the age of just 61. She died peacefully with her family around her after suffering a long illness.

Sigrun was the mother of the world chess champion and three daughters, Ingrid, Ellen, and Signe, and the husband of Henrik. Ellen shared the news of her mother’s death in a Facebook post that linked to a memorial page: “My dear, good mother and the children’s grandmother passed away far too soon. The loss is great.”

On the page Henrik writes: “Farewell my dear irreplaceable Sigrun. Thank you for everything for more than 41 years.”

The sad news explains Carlsen’s withdrawal from the Grand Chess Tour event in Croatia.

Due to an urgent family matter, GM Magnus Carlsen has regretfully withdrawn from the upcoming event in Zagreb and will be replaced by American GM Levon Aronian as a wildcard at this tournament. #Grandchesstour #MagnusCarlsen #LevonAronian #chess #superbetrapidblitz
Photos by… pic.twitter.com/PZUOFkDB8B

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) July 7, 2024

Sigrun was a rock of support for Carlsen during his chess career, with the family taking a European trip together to enable a young Magnus to pursue his chess dreams.

Although it was later Henrik who would usually travel with their son, Sigrun would occasionally travel to events, often with the whole family. 

The funeral will take place on July 17, with the family suggesting donations to cancer research as an alternative to flowers.

We extend our condolences to all Sigrun’s family and friends. May she rest in peace.