In a surprising announcement, music legend Sir Elton John has revealed that his two sons, Zachary and Elijah, will not be inheriting his estimated £200 million fortune.
Instead, the 68-year-old singer and his husband, David Furnish, want their children to learn the value of hard work and not take their privileged lives for granted.
Elton John, who grew up in a council estate in Pinner, Middlesex, believes that giving children a “silver spoon” can ruin their lives.
He wants his sons to experience a semblance of normality and develop respect for money and work.
To instill these values, Elton and David encourage their boys to do chores around the house.
They help with tasks such as cleaning their plates, assisting in the kitchen, tidying their rooms, and working in the garden.
Each time they complete a chore, they receive a star to put on charts they have made.
Elton John also supports fellow musician Sting’s decision not to leave his wealth to his children.
Sting famously said that their inheritance would be like “albatrosses round their necks.”
Elton agrees that it is important for children to earn their own success and not rely solely on their parents’ wealth.
This is not the first time Elton John has emphasized the importance of keeping his children grounded.
He previously stated that when his sons are old enough to drive, they will have to pay for their own cars.
Furthermore, the cars they purchase will be second-hand, just as Elton himself had to start with.
He wants his children to develop a sense of value and not take things for granted.
Elton and David were legally married in December 2014 after having entered into a civil partnership in 2005.
They welcomed their sons, Zachary and Elijah, via surrogate mother.
By making this decision, Elton John and David Furnish hope to teach their children the importance of hard work, responsibility, and humility.
They want Zachary and Elijah to grow up understanding that success is earned through effort and not simply handed to them on a silver platter.
