That camping trip your family still talks about? Science says it’s worth more than any toy under the tree.
John Mellencamp worked his butt off so his kids don’t have to — unless they want to.
The 74-year-old “Jack and Diane” singer, who shares five kids with three women, appeared on the Jan. 14 episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience” when he made a shocking confession about his life as a dad.
“I’m the only father in the world that does not encourage their kids to work,” he told Rogan.
The admission came as Mellencamp was reflecting on his career and how grateful he is for all the things he accomplished — and the many fortunes that came with those accomplishments.
READ MORE: John Mellencamp Says Daughter Teddi Is ‘Really Sick’ and ‘Suffering’ Amid Stage 4 Cancer Battle
“Like I said, I walk in my house and I go, ‘I can’t believe I get to live here,’” he said.
He went on to admit that he often questions his kids for wanting to work and, instead, encourages them to “do what you want to do.”
“My son graduated from Duke and it’s just like, ‘F**k that work stuff,’” Mellencamp said of his son Hud. “You’re 31 years old. You’re handsome. You could beat anybody up in the room.”
According to Mellencamp, Hud is at a point in his life where he wants to get a job — but his father doesn’t want him to.
“I don’t want him to leave because he still lives on my property. And it’s nice. I love having him there. I love having Hud live with me,” he said — clarifying that his son lives in a separate house on his property.
“I love having him there because I know that I can pick up the phone and go, ‘Hey Hud,” and he’s there,” Mellencamp added.
John Mellencamp says fatherhood is ‘best’ thing he ever did
Mellencamp was just 19 years old when he became a father for the first time.
The “Small Town” singer welcomed his first daughter, Michelle, on Dec. 4, 1970 with his then-wife Priscilla Esterline, according to People.
He went on to welcome two daughters — Teddi, 44, and Justice, 40 — with second wife Victoria Granucci and two sons — Hud, 31, and Speck, 30 — with third wife Elaine Irwin, per the outlet.
Together, John Mellencamp’s daughters have made him a grandfather of at least 11 grandkids.
“I’m telling you, having kids was one of the best things I ever did,” Mellencamp said on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
“I really enjoy my kids. And my dad told me that — he told me, ‘Have as many kids as you can because when you get older…” he said before talking about all of his friends who have passed away.
Elsewhere on the podcast, Mellencamp and Rogan discussed what they love most about having kids.
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“It has made me a much nicer person,” Rogan said, to which Mellencamp replied, “Yeah, me too.”
