For some people, money can warp priorities, dull responsibility, and fuel a sense of entitlement.
One of the most important lessons learned while growing up is understanding what money is worth — and how hard it is to earn.
That’s something Sting says he’s determined to pass on to his children.
Even with an estimated fortune of around $550 million, the musician has made it clear he doesn’t want his kids relying on inherited wealth, and he’s encouraged them to develop their own independence and work ethic.
Sting has six children: Joe (49), Fuschia (44), Mickey (42), Jake (40), Eliot (35) and Giacomo (30).
He was married to Frances Tomelty from 1976 to 1984, and they had two children together: Joe and Fuschia.
After their separation in the 1980s, he later married Trudie Styler in 1992, and the couple went on to have four children: Mickey, Jake, Eliot and Giacomo.
He’s even joked that fatherhood wasn’t part of the plan. Speaking to People, he said: “I became a dad by accident six times – that’s how smart I am. Yet they were the happiest accidents of my life because they’re remarkable human beings.”
Back in 2014, he told The Mail on Sunday that he had no interest in setting his children up with trust funds, describing that kind of inheritance as ‘an albatross around their necks’.
Now, in a fresh interview with CBS News Sunday morning, he revisited the topic and explained where he stands today on leaving his wealth to his family.
Sting — whose real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas — is set to turn 74 this year. He laughed when asked whether he still felt confident about not leaving his children a massive inheritance.
He said: “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 the shoes on your feet. Go to work.'”
He rejected the idea that drawing a firm line is harsh, suggesting instead that it can be an act of support.
“I think that’s there’s there’s a kindness there and a trust in them that they will make their own way.
“They’re tough, my kids.” And it looks like they will have to be.
When the interviewer asked whether his children push back on that approach — or try to request more money — he replied: “No, not to my face they don’t.”
While he may be reluctant to pass down his fortune directly, Sting has long been associated with charitable giving. Over the years he’s backed causes ranging from environmental protection to human rights and arts education.
One of his best-known initiatives is the Rainforest Foundation Fund, which he and Trudie Styler co-founded in 1989 to support rainforest conservation and indigenous communities.
He has also supported many other groups and appeals, including Amnesty International, Aid Still Required, plus charities focused on cancer and children’s health.
In 2025, Sting reportedly made a “major” undisclosed donation to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, helping launch a £10m endowment fund designed to keep admission free.