In the heart of Paul Anka's Los Angeles home, framed gold records catch the eye first, followed by iconic photographs of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and a teenage Anka with an open, startled expression hinting at the seven decades of stardom ahead. But on a typical weekday evening in 2026, the 84-year-old songwriter isn't in a studio or writing room; instead, he's at the poker table, surrounded by his 20-year-old son Ethan and a group of friends, immersed in their lively world.
Speaking candidly to PEOPLE magazine ahead of his new album Inspirations of Life and Love, Anka reflects on his legendary career, which has become a fixture in pop music history. The album, far from a nostalgic retrospective, heralds a rigorous tour schedule beginning in March 2026, with Anka's household now centered around his young son rather than past glories.
Anka describes his bond with Ethan glowingly: "He's my buddy. We're so close. You hear that it keeps you younger — it does. And I love it." He gained full custody of Ethan in 2017 following a contentious legal battle with his ex-wife, Anna Åberg, marking a new chapter in his parenting after decades of raising a family amid his whirlwind professional life.
Previously married to the late Anne de Zogheb, Anka fathered five daughters: Alexandra, 59; Amanda, 57; Alicia, 55; Anthea, 54; and Amelia, 48. Those daughters came of age during the peak of his career, when days blurred into nights filled with studio sessions, television tapings, late-night casino performances, and early-morning flights.
Looking back, Anka does not shy away from acknowledging the sacrifices his intense schedule demanded from his first family. He openly admits regretting the time not spent with his five older daughters, a sentiment that underscores his deliberate shift in approach with Ethan.
Now, with Inspirations of Life and Love set for release and a tour on the horizon, Anka's life revolves around fostering closeness with his son, a stark contrast to the imbalances of his earlier years as a parent.
