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While most parents push their children into careers, John Mellencamp does the opposite.
The 74-year-old singer said he never encouraged his children to get jobs, telling them they should focus on doing something they enjoy instead of working a 9-to-5 job.
“I’m the only dad in the world who doesn’t encourage their kids to work,” Mellencamp joked during a recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” “How is it, do you want to go to work?”
The “Jack & Diane” singer is the father of five children: daughter Michelle, 55, with ex-wife Priscilla Esterline; daughters Teddi, 44, and Justice, 40, with ex-wife Victoria Granucci.
Mellencamp also has sons Hud, 31, and Speck, 30, with wife Elaine Irwin.
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John Mellencamp shares the surprising reason he tells his kids not to get jobs. (Timothy Norris/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Despite her straightforward suggestion, Mellencamp said her children did not follow her advice well.
“It’s just like, f— that job thing. Do what you want to do. You’re 31 years old. You’re beautiful. You’re 31 years old, you can beat anybody in the room,” he said. “But I think he’s getting to the age where he’s looking for a job.”
Mellencamp admitted she has mixed feelings about her son possibly wanting to work, especially since Hud still lives close to his father.
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“And I don’t want him to leave because he still lives in my place. And it’s fun. I love having him there,” he said.
Singer/Songwriter John Mellencamp and son, Hud Mellencamp, backstage on Oct. 12, 1996. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Mellencamp added that having her grown children around is something she values more than independence or career milestones.
“It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and have one of your kids come over immediately,” he added.
The rock legend has spoken openly in the past about family, life and staying connected to his children as they grow up.
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John Mellencamp strives for happiness in the careers of his five children, including Teddi Mellencamp. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for JM)
Mellencamp previously spoke about her daughter Teddi and her ongoing battle with cancer.
She urged the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star to return to Indiana to be near her as she underwent treatment.
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“I tried to talk him into coming home,” Mellencamp said on “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 just come back and live in Indiana,’ but he won’t do it,” she added.
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Teddy first revealed in March 2022 that he had been 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 underwent surgery to remove tumors from his brain, explaining at the time that doctors found other tumors during the operation.
