Rock legend Sting is making it crystal clear: his children should not expect to cash in on his massive fortune when he’s gone.
The 74-year-old music icon, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, doubled down on his long-standing belief that handing kids endless money can do more harm than good — and he’s not backing off, even with an estimated net worth topping $400 million.
In a revealing interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Sting laughed when asked whether his six children are still “not going to get any of it.”
And his answer was brutally honest.
“All of my kids have been blessed with this extraordinary work ethic,” the former The Police frontman said. “I’ve said to them, ‘Guys, you’ve got to work. I’m spending our money. I’m paying for your education. You’ve got shoes on your feet. Go to work.’”
The “Every Breath You Take” singer didn’t stop there. Sting said telling children they never have to work is actually damaging.
“I think the worst thing you can do to a kid is to say, ‘You don’t have to work,’” he said. “I think that’s a form of abuse.”
That hard-nosed philosophy isn’t new for the Grammy-winning rocker.
Back in 2014, Sting told the Daily Mail he had no interest in leaving giant trust funds behind for his children because he didn’t want the money hanging around their necks “like albatrosses.”
“They have to work,” he said at the time. “All my kids know that and they rarely ask me for anything, which I really respect.”
And despite decades of fame, sold-out tours, and luxury homes around the world, Sting insists there may not even be much left to inherit anyway.
“We have a lot of commitments,” he previously explained. “What comes in, we spend.”
Still, the singer made it clear he would never abandon his children if they truly needed help.
“If they were in trouble, of course I would help them,” he said, adding that he wants them to “succeed on their own merit.”
His children certainly haven’t stayed out of the spotlight. Son Joe Sumner became a musician and entrepreneur, while daughter Fuchsia Sumner — who goes by Kate — built careers as an actress and director. Daughter Mickey Sumner also found success in Hollywood with roles in films like “Frances Ha” and the hit series “Snowpiercer.”
Even after decades in the music business and 17 Grammy wins, Sting says he still has no desire to slow down.
When asked why he continues working despite his enormous wealth, the rocker had a simple answer.
“Because I like to work,” he said. “Could I retire? I’m not sure I could do it.”
For Sting, it seems the real family legacy isn’t money — it’s hustle.
Excellent ! And this makes his kids functional, productive, energetic members of a profitable society.
As well they should be.
Sting……for the WIN !
IF he raised his kids right, he could safely leave them everything… but how many entertainers raise their kids right?