Paul Anka in 2026: Career, Family, Health & Latest News

You might know him as the voice behind “Diana” or the guy who wrote the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s signature “My Way,” but Paul Anka’s story has never been a straight line. Decades after his teen-idol scream-fests and Rat Pack-era lounges, the 84-year-old singer is still making headlines — some of them confusing, some of them heartbreaking.

Career: 60+ years active · Signature song: “Diana” (1957) · Debut single: “Diana” reached No. 1 · Most recent project: New documentary Paul Anka: His Way (2025)

Is Paul Anka Lebanese or Syrian?

Paul Anka was born in Ottawa, Canada, to parents of Lebanese descent. His father, Andrew Anka, owned a restaurant. Anka holds dual Canadian-American citizenship. While his ancestry is Lebanese, he was born and raised in Canada, and has lived in the United States for much of his adult life.

What is Paul Anka’s ethnic background?

Anka’s ethnic background is Lebanese. His family roots trace back to Lebanon, a heritage he has acknowledged throughout his career.

Where was Paul Anka born?

He was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on July 30, 1941.

Career highlights and enduring relevance

Paul Anka’s career is almost impossibly long. He burst onto the scene as a teenager in 1957 with “Diana,” a song he wrote when he was just 15 years old, and it shot to No. 1. That song made him one of the earliest teen idols, and his fame only grew from there. Over the next six decades, he wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs, performed on every major stage, and became a fixture of the American songbook.

His most famous credit might actually be the one people don’t expect: he wrote the English lyrics for “My Way,” which Frank Sinatra turned into a defining anthem in 1969. That single song cemented Anka’s place in music history far beyond his own performances. He also remained a constant presence in live entertainment, touring well into his 80s, proving that the music industry’s shelf life is longer than most people think.

The implication: Anka’s career is defined by adaptation, writing enduring standards for himself and for legends.

What is Paul Anka doing now?

As of 2026, Paul Anka remains actively engaged in his career. He continues to perform concerts across North America, with a tour extending through May 2026. He is also promoting his documentary Paul Anka: His Way, which premiered in 2025. In addition to performing, Anka has maintained an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing updates about his projects.

Personal life and relationships

Anka’s personal life has been as public as his career. He married Anne de Zogheb in 1963, and the couple had five daughters together. Their marriage lasted nearly four decades but ended in divorce in 2000. Anne de Zogheb passed away in 2016, a loss that undoubtedly shaped Anka’s more recent outlook on relationships.

“I’m not looking to get married — I’ve had my time,” Anka told People in 2026. “I’m happy with my life as it is.”

He described the period of caring for his late wife, Anne, as a deeply defining emotional chapter, and he has spoken about how hard it was to lose her.

He also maintains a strong connection to his roots. Despite becoming an American citizen and living in the U.S. for decades, Anka has consistently said he remains proud of his Canadian origins. He still visits Ottawa and has expressed gratitude for the support he received there early in his career.

What this means: Anka has publicly closed the chapter on marriage, focusing instead on his legacy and family bonds.

Does Paul Anka have a partner now?

There is no public record of a current partner. As of 2026, he has said he is single and happy. His focus remains on his family, including his children and grandchildren, and his ongoing career projects.

Why did Anna Anka lose custody of her daughter?

Anna Anka is Paul Anka’s third wife. They married in 2008 and later divorced. They have one daughter together. In 2012, Paul Anka was awarded full custody of their daughter. Reasons cited in court documents included Anna Anka’s behavior and legal proceedings. Details of the case remain largely private, but the outcome granted primary custody to Paul Anka.

Who is Anna Anka?

Anna Anka is a Swedish-born television personality and the third wife of Paul Anka. She gained public attention through her marriage to the singer and subsequent legal proceedings regarding their daughter.

Where is Paul Anka living today?

Paul Anka primarily resides in the United States, splitting time between homes in California and Nevada. He has maintained a residence in the U.S. for decades but frequently returns to Canada, expressing pride in his Canadian origins.

Does Paul Anka live in the United States?

Yes, he has lived in the United States for much of his adult life and holds American citizenship alongside his Canadian citizenship.

Recent news and the 2025 documentary

In 2025, Paul Anka became the subject of a feature documentary titled Paul Anka: His Way, which offered an intimate look at his life and career. The film includes interviews with Anka himself, archival footage, and perspectives from those who know him best. Reviews have praised the documentary for not glossing over the difficult parts of his story.

Anka himself has been candid about the project. In a December 2025 Guardian report, he described the documentary as a “warts and all” portrait, which is rare for a celebrity of his era. He said he wanted viewers to see the real person behind the hits — including the struggles, the mistakes, and the complicated family dynamics.

The pattern: Anka uses direct media and documentary projects to counter misinformation and control his narrative.

Related reading: All About Paul Anka’s Children · Paul Anka Says Becoming a Teen Idol Turned My Life Upside Down

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