He's My Buddy": At 84, Paul Anka Reveals How His 20-Year-Old Son Ethan Keeps Him Young and Loving Fatherhood All Over Again

 He's My Buddy": At 84, Paul Anka Reveals How His 20-Year-Old Son Ethan Keeps Him Young and Loving Fatherhood All Over Again

 He's My Buddy": At 84, Paul Anka Reveals How His 20-Year-Old Son Ethan Keeps Him Young and Loving Fatherhood All Over Again

Paul Anka, the legendary singer-songwriter behind timeless classics like "My Way," "Diana," and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," has spent nearly seven decades captivating audiences worldwide. At 84 years old, he's still touring, creating music, and showing no signs of slowing down. Yet, in a recent exclusive interview with People magazine, Anka opened up about what truly keeps him energized these days: his deep, heartfelt bond with his 20-year-old son, Ethan.

Born on September 22, 2005, Ethan is Anka's youngest child and only son. He arrived from Anka's second marriage to former Miss Sweden and personal trainer Anna Åberg. The couple's relationship ended in divorce in 2010, leading to a challenging custody battle. In 2017, Anka ultimately won sole custody of Ethan, marking a pivotal chapter in both their lives. Since then, the iconic performer has embraced single fatherhood with enthusiasm and intention.

Anka is already a father of six. From his first marriage to the late Anne de Zogheb, he raised five daughters: Alexandra (now 59), Amanda (57), Alicia (55), Anthea (54), and Amelia (48). Those experiences shaped him as a parent during the height of his career, when demanding schedules often pulled him away from family life. Reflecting on that period, Anka admits he did the best he could under the circumstances. "I look at it as, I did the best I could," he shared. "But with him now, I see the other side."

This time around, fatherhood feels different—and profoundly rewarding. Anka describes Ethan not just as his son, but as his "buddy." Their connection is unusually tight-knit, filled with shared activities, open conversations, and genuine companionship. "He’s my buddy. We’re so close. You hear that it keeps you younger — it does," Anka said. "And I love it."

One charming example of their everyday closeness comes from home life in Los Angeles. Anka regularly hosts poker nights where Ethan and his friends gather around the table. The veteran entertainer doesn't just tolerate the youthful energy—he dives in, listening intently to their stories, jokes, and perspectives on the world. It's a deliberate way for him to stay connected to the younger generation. "I get all the information," he explained, highlighting how these moments refresh his outlook.

That connection extends beyond the house. When Anka hits the road for his upcoming tour (which kicked off in March following the release of his new album Inspirations of Life and Love), Ethan and some of his friends often join him. Traveling together allows Anka to blend his professional life with family in a way he rarely could during his daughters' younger years. He guides Ethan with wisdom but avoids over-parenting. "Without hovering," he noted, "because I’m very liberal in the sense that they figure it out and they have the capability of figuring it out."

At his age, Anka views this relationship as a vital source of vitality. "It totally keeps me young," he insisted. "I don’t live my age. I never have. Age doesn’t matter. I think the fact that I’m doing it is what’s keeping me healthy. If you stand still, they’ll throw dirt on you. You have to keep doing it."

This philosophy extends to his music career as well. The new album reflects themes of life, love, and inspiration—perhaps influenced by the daily joy he finds in his role as Ethan's dad. Anka has no intention of retiring; performing and creating keep him sharp and purposeful.

In many ways, Ethan represents a second chance for Anka to experience fatherhood with more presence and fewer distractions. After raising five daughters through the whirlwind of fame, he now savors the quieter, more intentional moments with his son. It's a bond built on mutual respect, shared adventures, and the simple pleasure of each other's company.

Paul Anka's story reminds us that legacy isn't only measured in hits and awards—it's also in the relationships we nurture, especially when life offers an unexpected encore. At 84, with a close companion in his 20-year-old son, Anka is proving that love, family, and staying engaged can make any chapter feel like the best one yet.