John Mellencamp discourages his kids from working conventional jobs

[ad_1] NEW Now you can hearken to Fox Information articles!

Whereas most mother and father push their youngsters towards careers, John Mellencamp is doing the other.

The 74-year-old rocker stated he has by no means inspired his kids to get jobs, telling them they need to deal with doing what makes them completely happy as a substitute of working a 9-to-5 job.

"I’m the one father on the earth that doesn't encourage their youngsters to work," Mellencamp joked throughout a current look on "The Joe Rogan Experience." "It’s like, what do you wish to go to work for?"

The "Jack & Diane" singer is the daddy of 5 kids: daughter Michelle, 55, whom he shares with ex-wife Priscilla Esterline; daughters Teddi, 44, and Justice, 40, with ex-wife Victoria Granucci.

Mellencamp additionally has sons Hud, 31, and Speck, 30, with spouse Elaine Irwin.

TEDDI MELLENCAMP WONDERS IF CANCER WAS HER 'PAYBACK' FOR ALLEGED AFFAIR WITH HORSE TRAINER

John Mellencamp shares the shocking purpose he tells his youngsters to not get jobs. (Timothy Norris/Getty Photos for The Recording Academy)

Regardless of his blunt suggestion, Mellencamp stated his youngsters haven’t precisely adopted his recommendation.

"It’s similar to, f--- that work stuff. Do what you wish to do. You’re 31 years outdated. You’re good-looking. You’re 31 years outdated, you could possibly beat anyone up within the room," he stated. "However I believe he’s attending to the age the place he desires to get a job."

Mellencamp admitted he has combined emotions about his son probably eager to work, particularly since Hud nonetheless lives close to his father.

JOHN MELLENCAMP RIPS MODERN POLITICIANS FOR LACKING HUMILITY AND RESPECT

"And I don’t need him to go away as a result of he nonetheless lives on my property. And it’s good. I like having him there," he stated.

Singer/Songwriter John Mellencamp and son, Hud Mellencamp, backstage on Oct. 12, 1996. (Rick Diamond/Getty Photos)

Mellencamp added that having his grownup kids shut by is one thing he values greater than independence or profession milestones.

"It’s good to have the ability to choose up the telephone and have one in all your youngsters come over shortly," he added.

The rock legend has spoken overtly prior to now about household, well being and staying related to his kids as he will get older.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

John Mellencamp champions happiness over careers for his 5 kids, together with Teddi Mellencamp. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Photos for JM)

Mellencamp beforehand opened up about his daughter Teddi and her ongoing cancer battle .

He urged the previous "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star to maneuver again to Indiana so he may be nearer to her as she undergoes therapy.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"I've tried to speak her into shifting again residence," Mellencamp stated on "Today," earlier this week.

John Mellencamp says he by no means inspired his youngsters to work. (Gary Miller/Getty Photos)

"I stated, ‘Transfer again to Indiana, deliver the youngsters and simply come again and dwell in Indiana,’ however she received’t do it," he added.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Teddi first revealed in March 2022 that she had been recognized with Stage 2 melanoma. In April 2025, she shared that the most cancers had progressed to Stage IV and spread to her brain and lungs.

She later underwent surgical procedure to take away tumors from her mind, explaining on the time that docs found further tumors whereas performing the process.

Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an leisure author for Fox Information Digital. Story suggestions may be despatched to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.