Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka, 84, discusses why he cherishes his single life and has no intention of marrying again, reflecting on love, marriage, and aging gracefully.
At 84, Paul Anka is embracing a life of solitude. In an exclusive interview with People, the legendary singer-songwriter explains why he’s happy being single and has fully closed the chapter on marriage.
Paul Anka’s Reflection on Past Marriages
Paul Anka, known for hits like My Way, has been married three times. His first marriage was to model Anne de Zogheb, with whom he shares five daughters. They were together for nearly 40 years, but Anka admits that his demanding career made it challenging to balance work and family life. “I was away 200 days a year,” he reflects. Despite the distance, Anka credits de Zogheb for her strength in raising their children—Alexandra (59), Amanda (57), Alicia (55), Anthea (54), and Amelia (48)—while he toured globally. De Zogheb passed away in 2017.
Anka later married Anna Åberg in 2008 and welcomed a son, Ethan, now 20. The couple divorced two years later, and Anka won full custody of their son in 2017. From 2016 to 2020, Anka was married to Lisa Pemberton. Despite these relationships, he now emphasizes that singleness suits him best.
- Married to Anne de Zogheb from 1963 to 2001
- Married to Anna Åberg from 2008 to 2010
- Married to Lisa Pemberton from 2016 to 2020
Why Paul Anka Won’t Get Married Again
For Anka, marriage is no longer part of his future. When asked if he would consider it now, he’s unequivocal: “I would never get married again. Why? Done it.” He credits his past relationships for giving him great children and grandchildren, but it’s clear that peace of mind and personal freedom are his priorities. “I love my solitude,” he explains. “It’s an amazing place to be in, having peace of mind and growing older gracefully.”
Anka’s reflections on marriage reveal a mix of gratitude and realism. “I had a great woman for 40 years,” he says, referring to de Zogheb. “That was it.” Their separation came down to differences in their visions for the future—she wanted him to retire, but he wasn’t ready. Now, with a thriving career that includes the recent album Inspirations of Life and Love and upcoming tour dates, retirement is the last thing on his mind. “I know what retirement is. I don’t want to retire,” he says. “Let’s say I do 75 days a year. I got the rest of the year to do what the hell I want.”
Anka’s Enduring Career and Family Life
For over six decades, Paul Anka has been a force in music. Starting as a teen idol with hits like Diana and Lonely Boy, he evolved into a songwriter for icons like Frank Sinatra, penning lasting classics such as My Way. His talent and resilience have allowed him to remain a fixture in entertainment, even as the industry changes.
Today, Anka takes pride in his role as a father to six children and grandfather to nine grandchildren. Raising his youngest son, Ethan, full-time hasn’t slowed him down. In fact, fatherhood inspires him. “I’m so happy with what I’m doing,” he shares. “I get to write. I get my things. This is so much fun.”
His wisdom on relationships shines through: “People change,” he observes. “If I’ve got any wisdom at all, I don’t want to do that to myself.” Whether on stage or at home, Anka chooses joy and purpose over convention.
Life Lessons from Paul Anka
Paul Anka’s message is simple yet profound: happiness comes from within, not from relationships or societal expectations. He’s thrived in the spotlight, made mistakes, loved deeply, and now values quiet solace. His career continues, but his spirit is at ease. He’s living proof that life, after all, is best lived on your own terms.
As he prepares for a new album release and tour, one thing is clear: Paul Anka isn’t just singing My Way. He’s living it. And for him, that’s the ultimate freedom.
For more insightful stories and analysis, turn to onlytrustedinfo.com—your trusted source for the fastest, most authoritative updates in entertainment.
