His song Diana helped his music career skyrocket, placing Paul Anka, one of the most renowned singers of the 20th century, under the limelight.
However, his road to stardom wasn’t an easy one. Speaking to Newsday back in 1982, Anka said, “I started out at a time when it was not easy to be seriously accepted at such an early age. I realized that to succeed, you have to have some sort of a grand plan and ambition – some sort of a master plan. I decided right then, when ’Diana’ became a hit, that I was going to become as successful as I possibly could in the song-writing field.”
At the time he started singing and writing songs, the Put Your Head on My Shoulder singer was just 14.
Flickr / Bradford Times
His striking good looks and polished demeanor made him stand out, turning him into one of the most adored teen idols of the 1950s. Unlike today, when singers incorporate a number of effects during their performance and use auto-tune, Anka was a pure class. It was his voice, facial expressions, and genuine connection to music that were enough to fill venues with fans whose hearts he touched.
“When I was a kid, even the guys I was hanging with like Sinatra or Dean Martin, nobody came from a sophisticated background. We all got lucky and found our groove and vibe. Now I wear the hat of the guys I witnessed; you become who you see. At my age right now, I still do that,” he said.
At the height of his career, Anka met Anne de Zogheb. The blonde model was a daughter of a diplomat who moved places often. The two first laid eyes on each other in 1962 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It took only a year for them to know they belonged to one another and tie the knot.
The two stayed together for over 40 years, welcoming four daughters, Amelia, Anthea, Alicia, Amanda and Alexandra. Today, Amanda is married to actor Jason Bateman.
Anka and Anne separated in 2000, leaving his fans in shock.
Speaking of the divorce, Anka said, “I did my best, but I was travelling 200 days a year.”
Sadly, Anne died on 29 March 2017 at the age of 74.
In 2008, Anka found love again with his personal trainer Anna Åberg, a former Miss Sweden. They welcomed a son together but Anka filed for divorce just 18 months later following a heated argument. His wife accused him of threatening her with a gun, which led to police involvement. In response, he took legal action against her, further complicating their already troubled marriage.
“Paul has now sold the house; he lives just a few minutes away from me. He put it on the market because he wants to move away. It’s because Ethan has turned 18 now, so Paul is scared. Now he can’t hide behind lawyers and courts; Paul can’t do anything to stop Ethan from coming to me if he wants to,” he ex-said at the time of their separation.
For a short time, Anka stayed single before meeting and getting involved with Lisa Pemberton. He met her at a party in 2010 and tied the know with her in 2016 in a lavish and intimate ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel at Westlake Village in Los Angeles.
Lisa helped Anka raise his son, but after a few rocky years, they divorced in 2020.
Today, the musician is in a relationship with Michele Kahl but says he doesn’t plan on marrying again.
At 83, Paul Anka continues to thrive, recently concluding his successful “Seven Decades Tour,” celebrating his extraordinary 70-year career in music. Known for his ability to write, compose, and perform, Anka’s legacy as a pop music pioneer is firmly established, with fans from all generations admiring his work.
Reflecting on his journey, Anka recalls the surprise of still performing in his 80s and being recognized by younger fans.
“Suddenly I’m 80 years old and I’ve got 16-year-olds screaming, stopping me in the street, clamouring for my autograph,” he says.
“When I started out at 16 I could never have imagined I’d still be performing at 80. I started at the bottom of this mountain with nothing, crawling along the road to success, praying every second just to stay where I was.”
Despite experiencing the indulgent showbiz lifestyle, including his time with the Rat Pack, he chose a healthier path, avoiding heavy smoking and drinking after witnessing the effects on his colleagues.
“With all the Rat Pack experience, I came away from it not being a heavy smoker or drinker because I saw what it did to them,” he told AARP.
Anka credits his longevity to a disciplined routine, focusing on regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental well-being. His smart business ventures, alongside his music career, have contributed to his impressive net worth of $80 million.
Despite the excesses of fame, Anka has stayed grounded and continues to embrace life, finding happiness in his relationship with his new girlfriend. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that one can remain true to their values and passions, even in the spotlight.
