5 Surprising Facts About Paul Anka's $80M Empire And His 2026 New Album

Few artists in history can claim a seven-decade career that spans the birth of rock and roll, the golden age of the Rat Pack, and the modern streaming era. As of December 10, 2025, Paul Anka remains one of the music industry’s most enduring and prolific figures, not only as a performer but as the legendary songwriter behind some of the biggest hits for other global icons. His story is one of constant reinvention, with a financial empire built on shrewd business and a staggering catalog of over 900 songs.

The biggest news surrounding the Canadian-American legend today is the highly anticipated release of his new studio album, *Inspirations of Life and Love*, and his continued presence on the global touring circuit with his "A Man and His Music" show. While many of his peers have long since retired, Anka, now in his 80s, is still creating fresh material, keeping his legacy not just alive, but perpetually evolving. This deep dive explores his current activities, his colossal net worth, and the surprising secrets behind his timeless success.

Paul Anka: Complete Biography & Net Worth (2025 Update)

Paul Anka’s life story is a masterclass in longevity, transforming from a 1950s teen idol into a respected, powerhouse songwriter and a Las Vegas headliner. His biographical details provide the foundation for understanding his enduring influence.

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• Full Name: Paul Albert Anka OC (Officer of the Order of Canada)
• Date of Birth: July 30, 1941
• Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian and American (He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1990)
• Parents: Andy Anka and Camelia Tannis (Lebanese-Canadian ancestry)
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): $80–$82 Million
• Career Start: Gained international fame at 16 with the hit "Diana" in 1957.
• Wives:
  • Anne de Zogheb (m. 1963; div. 2000)
  • Anna Åberg (m. 2008; div. 2010)
  • Lisa Pemberton (m. 2016)
• Children: Six children. Five daughters with Anne de Zogheb (Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, and Amelia), and one son with Anna Åberg (Ethan).

His impressive net worth is a testament not just to his performing career but, crucially, to his ownership of his publishing rights. This strategic move allowed him to collect royalties for decades on every song he wrote, a rare feat for an artist of his generation.

The Songwriter’s Legacy: Hits That Defined Generations

While Paul Anka is instantly recognizable for his own vocal hits, his true genius and financial bedrock lie in his work as a songwriter for others. He is one of the few artists to have had a song on the Billboard charts for seven consecutive decades.

The Million-Dollar Hooks

Anka's catalog is a treasure trove of pop standards and generational anthems. He didn't just write songs; he crafted legacies for other stars. The sheer volume of his work demonstrates his topical authority in the music world, linking the 1950s teen-pop sound to the sophisticated adult contemporary market.

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• "My Way" (Frank Sinatra): Perhaps his most famous composition. Anka rewrote a French song, "Comme d'habitude," specifically for Frank Sinatra, transforming it into the iconic farewell anthem that became synonymous with Sinatra's entire career.
• "She's a Lady" (Tom Jones): Anka wrote and produced this massive 1971 hit, which gave Tom Jones one of his signature, enduring tracks.
• "Johnny's Theme" (The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson): Anka co-wrote the theme song for *The Tonight Show* in 1962. At the height of the show's popularity, he earned an estimated $800,000 to $900,000 annually in royalties from that single song alone, a staggering sum that contributed immensely to his long-term wealth.
• Michael Jackson Collaboration: Anka co-wrote the unreleased song "This Is It" (originally titled "I Never Heard") and "Love Never Felt So Good" with Michael Jackson. The latter became a posthumous hit for Jackson in 2014, a testament to Anka's ability to remain relevant across decades.

His own chart-topping hits from the late 1950s and early 1960s cemented his status as a teen idol, including "Diana," "Lonely Boy," "You Are My Destiny," and "Puppy Love." These early hits remain staples of the classic pop and doo-wop genres, showcasing his versatile vocal talent.

The Next Chapter: 2026 Album, Broadway, and Retirement

Even as he approaches his mid-80s, Paul Anka is defying the traditional concept of retirement, proving that "A Man and His Music" is more than just a tour title—it's a life philosophy. His current projects are as ambitious and diverse as his career has ever been.

The Highly Anticipated *Inspirations of Life and Love*

The most concrete piece of current news is the release of his new studio album, *Inspirations of Life and Love*. Announced for a February 13, 2026, release, this album is a celebration of his seven-plus decades in entertainment. The record is set to feature nine brand-new songs alongside two classic hits, demonstrating his commitment to fresh creative output rather than simply relying on nostalgia. This project, which follows his 2022 album *Sessions*, ensures Paul Anka remains a fixture in the contemporary music landscape.

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On the Road in 2025 and 2026

Paul Anka continues to maintain a rigorous touring schedule. His "A Man and His Music" tour has dates scheduled well into 2026, with performances in major venues like the Mohegan Sun Arena. These shows are a blend of his greatest hits, including "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" and "Lonely Boy," intimate storytelling about his collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., and performances of his new material, giving fans a complete look at his unparalleled career.

The Broadway Musical and Documentary

Beyond the stage, Anka is actively involved in adapting his life story for a new generation. Plans for a long-in-the-works Broadway musical based on his life and music were confirmed as recently as September 2024. This project aims to chronicle his journey from Ottawa to international stardom, further cementing his place in American and Canadian cultural history.

Furthermore, a new documentary about his life has also been mentioned, offering a candid look behind the scenes of his decades-long career. These projects highlight the continued commercial and cultural interest in his story.

The Retirement Question

Despite his age and the fact that he has achieved everything possible in the music industry, Paul Anka has been candid about his thoughts on retirement. In recent interviews, he stated that retirement is "coming," but he is not ready for it yet. He attributes his longevity to a strict health regimen and a passion for performing that has never waned. His commitment to preserving his voice and health is a key factor in his ability to continue touring and recording new music, ensuring his status as a living legend remains unchallenged.

Paul Anka's career is a powerful lesson in reinvention and business acumen. From his early success with "Diana" to his masterful composition of "My Way," and now to his upcoming album *Inspirations of Life and Love*, he continues to shape popular music. His multi-million dollar empire is not just a collection of assets, but a monument to a lifetime of strategic songwriting and tireless dedication to the art of performance.