Sting on His Parenting Philosophy: Why He Won't Pass Down His Wealth to His Children

The legendary Police frontman has made clear that his considerable wealth will not be passed down to his offspring.

During an appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning on May 3, Sting—whose birth name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner—elaborated on his long-held position regarding inheritance and his six children. The 74-year-old musician has consistently maintained this approach to his estate planning.

"The worst thing you can do to a kid is to say, 'You don't have to work,'" he explained during the interview. "I think that's a form of abuse that I hope I'm never guilty of."

Rather than viewing this stance as deprivation, Sting framed it as an expression of confidence in his children's capabilities. He highlighted what he sees as their defining characteristic: a strong commitment to their own pursuits.

"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 got to work. I'm spending our money. I'm paying for your education. You've got shoes on your feet, go, get to work,'" he shared.

Sting stressed that this parental approach stems from respect for his children rather than indifference. "That's not cruel. I think that there's a kindness there, and a trust in them that they will make their own way. They're tough, my kids," he said.

The musician's family includes Joe Sumner, 49, and Fuschia Sumner, 44, from his first marriage to Frances Tomelty. With his second wife, Trudie Styler, he shares Mickey Sumner, 42, Jake Sumner, 40, Eliot Sumner, 35, and Giacomo Sumner, 30.