Legendary singer Sting doubled down on his refusal to leave his fortune to his children in a May 3 interview with CBS Sunday Morning.
Speaking with Mark Phillips about his drive to continue working at the age of 74 despite having already amassed an impressive fortune, Sting explained his position. He laid out his desire to work and made it clear that his children have to foster the same philosophy and forge their own paths in life.
“The working class works and wants to work. I’m one of those people … I love to work,” he said.
“I think the worst thing you can do to a kid is to say ‘you don’t have to work,’” he later added. “I think that’s a form of abuse that I hope I’m never guilty of.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer followed up by explaining that his children were capable of making it on their own.
“All of my kids have been blessed with an extraordinary work ethic,” he said.
“Whether it’s the DNA of it, or whether I’ve said to them, ‘guys, you’ve got to work.’”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 13: Sting performs onstage during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Hot Pink Party 2025 at The Glasshouse on May 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Research Foundation)
Sting went on to express that he has worked hard to achieve his lifestyle, and plans to continue reaping the benefits of his hard work.
“I’m spending our money,” the famous singer said.
He said he has told his children, “I’m paying for your education. You’ve got shoes on your feet. Go — go to work.’”
Sting defended his parenting style and his position on finances and wealth.
“That’s not cruel. I think there’s a kindness there and a trust in that they will make their own way. They’re tough, my kids.” (RELATED: Katy Perry Butchers Trevi Fountain Ritual In Cringe Clout Grab)
British singer and songwriter Sting arrives for the screening of the film “Parthenope” at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 21, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)
The former Police singer has six adult children — a son and daughter with his first wife, and four children with his second wife.
He is currently on his “3.0” tour through November, and is heavily immersed in his stage musical, “The Last Ship,” slated to open June 9 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.