Paul Anka, the 1950s teen idol known for timeless hits like “Diana” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” has captivated audiences for over seven decades. With his smooth voice, boy-next-door charm, and undeniable talent, Anka became one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century. Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, including three marriages, the 83-year-old legend has proven that love knows no bounds. Today, Anka continues to shine both in his career and personal life, having found new love in his later years.
Paul Anka’s Rise to Fame: A Teenage Sensation
Paul Anka’s incredible journey to stardom began when he was just 14 years old. Even at a young age, his talent was unmistakable. His breakthrough came with the heartfelt ballad “Diana,” written about a girl he admired from church when he was just 16. The song shot him to international stardom and became the second-biggest-selling single of its time. Suddenly, Anka was a household name, mobbed by adoring fans wherever he went.
“I couldn’t leave my hotel because there’d be thousands of kids outside,” Anka recalled in an interview with Billboard, reflecting on the frenzy that surrounded him during his early years of fame.
Anka’s Road to Success: Hard Work and Ambition
Unlike many of today’s artists who rely on heavy production and auto-tune, Paul Anka’s voice was pure, showcasing his raw talent. He wasn’t just a performer—he was also a prolific songwriter. From an early age, he understood that success required more than talent; it demanded a plan and ambition.
“I realized that to succeed, you have to have some sort of a grand plan and ambition—some sort of a master plan,” Anka told Newsday in 1982. With his natural gift for writing, Anka didn’t just sing his way to fame—he penned hits for some of the biggest stars in music, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.
The Love of His Life: Anka’s First Marriage to Anne de Zogheb
At the height of his career, Anka met his first wife, Anne de Zogheb, a stunning blonde model and daughter of a diplomat. Their love story began in 1962 when they met in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A year later, they tied the knot in a quiet ceremony at Paris-Orly Airport, just before boarding a plane to Switzerland for their honeymoon.
Their marriage lasted nearly 40 years, and together they had five daughters: Amelia, Anthea, Alicia, Amanda, and Alexandra. Anka’s daughter Amanda is married to actor Jason Bateman, adding another touch of celebrity to the family.
Paul Anka and Lisa Pemberton attend the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California / Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Reflecting on his family life in his 2013 autobiography My Way, Anka shared how difficult it was to balance his career with family responsibilities. “The way I would float in and out of my girls’ lives, trying to attend their school recitals, falling asleep in the middle of a performance and Anne nudging me,” he wrote.
The couple separated in 2000, but their split was described as amicable. Sadly, Anne passed away in 2017 at the age of 74.
Paul Anka’s Second Marriage to Anna Åberg
In 2008, Paul Anka married his personal trainer, Anna Åberg, a former Miss Sweden. The couple welcomed a son, Ethan, but their relationship was fraught with challenges. Their marriage, which lasted just 18 months, ended in a bitter divorce. After a long custody battle, Anka was granted full custody of their son, and Åberg has been vocal about her frustration over not being able to see Ethan.
Despite the tumultuous relationship, Anka continues to have a close bond with Ethan, who walked his stepmother, Lisa Pemberton, down the aisle during Anka’s third wedding.
A Third Marriage to Lisa Pemberton
In 2016, Paul Anka married Lisa Pemberton, an actress 12 years his junior, in an intimate and lavish ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. The wedding was attended by high-profile guests, including Warren Buffet and film producer Brian Grazer. Although they didn’t have children together, Pemberton played a significant role in helping raise Ethan, Anka’s only son.
However, their marriage also ended in divorce in 2020, after years of difficulty. In 2021, Anka spoke about the moment he realized he could no longer continue in the marriage. “One day I pulled out my birth certificate and said, ‘See this? How much longer do I have? I can’t live like this anymore!’” he explained.
New Love in Later Years: Michele Kahl
Since 2021, Paul Anka has found love again, this time with Michele Kahl. While Anka has been open about his happiness in this new relationship, he has made it clear that he doesn’t plan to marry again. Their relationship is frequently documented on Kahl’s Instagram, where the couple’s joy is evident.
Despite his personal life’s ups and downs, Anka remains a beacon of resilience and passion. He continues to focus on his career, wrapping up his celebrated “Seven Decades Tour” in the summer of 2024, which marked 70 years in the music industry.
The Secret to Paul Anka’s Longevity
At 83, Paul Anka is still going strong—both in his career and personal life. His success and longevity are no accidents. Anka credits his ability to stay active, eat healthily, and maintain a positive mindset as the keys to his ongoing vitality. He quit smoking, exercises regularly, and maintains a balanced diet. “If you stay active, you’ve got a shot at having a real, unfettered life, and keeping the brain working,” Anka says.
His disciplined lifestyle allowed him to avoid the pitfalls that many of his peers fell into. As a junior member of the Rat Pack, Anka witnessed the excesses of showbiz firsthand. “The Rat Pack would drink and gamble until 4 or 5 a.m., which wreaked havoc on their voices,” he recalled. Anka took a different path, focusing on preserving his health and voice.
An Enduring Legacy in Music
Paul Anka’s impact on the music world is undeniable. His songs, both those he performed and those he wrote for other legends like Sinatra and Michael Jackson, have left a lasting mark. Even today, Anka’s fan base spans generations, with young and old alike still drawn to his timeless voice and masterful songwriting.
“Suddenly I’m 80 years old and I’ve got 16-year-olds screaming, stopping me in the street, clamoring for my autograph,” Anka said, reflecting on his career’s longevity.
Conclusion: Paul Anka’s Unstoppable Spirit
Paul Anka’s story is one of resilience, talent, and determination. From teen idol to international superstar, he has weathered the storms of fame, navigated complex personal relationships, and emerged as a symbol of longevity and success. Today, Anka continues to embrace life with energy and passion, sharing his music with fans around the world and finding happiness in love once again.
His legacy in the music world is cemented, and his story reminds us all that no matter the trials and tribulations we face, we can always move forward with grace, ambition, and love.
