Sting explains why he refuses to leave his wealth to his six children

Sting has revealed that his children will not inherit the bulk of his fortune, explaining that he believes financial independence and a strong work ethic are essential for their personal development.

The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, spoke about his parenting philosophy during an appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning, where he addressed long-standing public curiosity about his approach to wealth and inheritance.

Sting, 74, said he has consistently encouraged his six children to build their own careers rather than rely on family wealth, emphasizing discipline and self-sufficiency as core values.

“All of my kids have been blessed with this extraordinary work ethic, whether it’s the DNA of it or whether 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,’” he said.

He added that his decision is not rooted in harshness, but in what he considers a form of care and trust in their ability to succeed independently. 

“That’s not cruel,” he said. “I think that there’s a kindness there and a trust in them that they will make their own way.”

When asked whether his children object to the arrangement, Sting responded with a touch of humor: “No, not to my face, they don’t.”

The musician shares six children across two relationships. With his former wife, actress Frances Tomelty, he has two children, while his marriage to Trudie Styler includes four more.

Sting has previously expressed similar views, stating in earlier interviews that he does not intend to leave large trust funds for his children, as he believes they should build their own financial independence.

“All my kids know that and they rarely ask me for anything, which I really respect and appreciate,” he said in a 2014 interview.