Singer-songwriter opens up about grounded parenting and life with wife Cherry Seaborn
Global music icon Ed Sheeran has opened up about his approach to parenting, revealing his firm stance against raising his children in an over-indulgent or extravagant environment.
Despite being one of the most successful and wealthy artists in the world, Sheeran is determined to shield his young daughters—Lyra, four, and Jupiter, two—from what he calls a “Richie Rich lifestyle.”
The multi-platinum-selling star, aged 34, discussed his views on family life during a recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast. Sheeran emphasised the importance of staying grounded, largely crediting his wife, Cherry Seaborn, for helping to maintain balance in their lives.
“Cherry is the biggest grounding force,” he said, referring to his long-time partner and wife since 2019.
The Shape of You singer candidly addressed how fame and fortune can easily lead to excessive lifestyles—something he’s keen to avoid for his children. Drawing a parallel with the 1990s fictional character Richie Rich, Sheeran explained why he doesn’t want his daughters to grow up surrounded by unnecessary luxury.
“Anytime there is something a little bit too Hollywood, she’ll be like, ‘Bro, come on’,” he shared. “Especially because I grew up with her, there’s always just a lens of Suffolk over it. I wanted to build a bowling alley in our back garden, but Cherry said no.”
He continued: “She knew we didn’t need that. She doesn’t want our kids growing up in the Richie Rich house where there’s literally McDonald’s in our back garden.”
Although Sheeran’s estate features amenities such as a pub, a cinema, and a recording studio, the award-winning singer remains conscious of setting boundaries when it comes to spoiling his children.
Ed Sheeran also spoke about the personal value of having private recreational areas on his property while being mindful not to let those features define his family’s lifestyle.
“I built a pub in my garden because there used to be this pub I would go to, where I’d go to blow off steam,” he explained.
“And it got to that point where people knew I went there, so I couldn’t go as much and get as drunk as I’d like. And there was an old barn on my land, so I bought the counter and the pub off of eBay, and all of the plumbing and wiring in.”
He added: “There’s now a tunnel to it from the house, and in there I have also built a listening room and a cinema. And that’s my man catacombs.”
While these additions may sound extravagant, Sheeran insists they are practical and personal rather than purely for show—reinforcing his desire to keep his family grounded.
In a previous interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Sheeran reflected on how becoming a father shifted his perspective on life, purpose, and fame.
“I just found that I really didn’t have purpose outside of [music] because when I was giving myself fixed time of no work, I wasn’t doing anything I enjoyed because I love doing music,” he admitted.
“And [being a dad] has actually given me purpose and something in life that’s actually more important than my job.”
The chart-topping artist continues to strike a delicate balance between enjoying the rewards of his hard work and ensuring his daughters are raised with real-world values. His approach to celebrity parenting highlights a growing trend among public figures who want their children to grow up with appreciation, responsibility, and emotional connection—rather than entitlement.
