John Mellencamp discourages his children from working traditional jobs
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While most parents push their children towards careers, John Mellencamp does the opposite.
The 74-year-old rocker said he never encouraged his children to get jobs, telling them they should focus on doing things that make them happy rather than working 9 to 5.
“I’m the only father in the world who doesn’t encourage his children to work,” Mellencamp said in a recent program. “The Joe Rogan Experience.” “What do you want to go to work for?”
The “Jack & Diane” singer is the father of five children: daughter Michelle, 55, whom he shares with ex-wife Priscilla Esterline; his daughters Teddi, 44, and Justice, 40, with ex-wife Victoria Granucci.
Mellencamp also has sons named Hud (31) and Speck (30) with his wife Elaine Irwin.
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John Mellencamp shares the surprising reason he tells his kids not to get a job. (Timothy Norris/Getty Images for the Recording Academy)
Despite his straightforward suggestion, Mellencamp said his children did not fully follow his advice.
“It’s just like that business thing. Do whatever you want to do. You’re 31 years old. You’re handsome. You’re 31 years old, you can beat up anyone in the room,” he said. “But I think he’s getting to the age where he wants to get a job.”
Mellencamp admitted he has mixed feelings about his son potentially wanting to work, especially considering Hud still lives with his father.
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“And I don’t want him to go because he still lives on my property. And that’s nice. I love having him there,” she said.
Singer/Songwriter John Mellencamp and his son Hud Mellencamp backstage on October 12, 1996. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Mellencamp added that being around his adult children is something he values more than independence or career milestones.
“It’s nice to pick up the phone and have one of your kids come to you quickly,” she added.
The rock legend has spoken openly in the past about family, health and staying connected to his children as he gets older.
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John Mellencamp advocates happiness over career for his five children, including Teddi Mellencamp. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for JM)
Mellencamp has previously spoken out about his daughter Teddi and his ongoing battle with cancer.
He urged the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star to move back to Indiana to be closer to him while he receives treatment.
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“I tried to convince him to come back home,” Mellencamp said. “Today,” earlier this week.
John Mellencamp says he never encouraged his children to work. (Gary Miller/Getty Images)
“I said, ‘Go back to Indiana, bring the kids and come back and live in Indiana,’ but he’s not going to do that,” she added.
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Teddi first announced in March 2022 that she was diagnosed with Stage 2 melanoma. In April 2025, he shared that the cancer had progressed to Stage IV and had spread to his brain and lungs.
He later had surgery to remove tumors from his brain, revealing at the time that doctors had discovered other tumors while performing the procedure.
