Did George Michael Have Kids?

As if 2016 wasn't already terrible enough, this fully garbage year had to take another beloved pop star from the world. British singer George Michael died Sunday of natural causes, exactly six months after his 53rd birthday. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," read a statement issued by Michael's publicist. The statement didn't mention anything about Michael being a father, prompting the question "Did George Michael have kids?" He wasn't a dad, which gave him the freedom to be an incredible international performer.

In his too-short 53 years, Michael lived an extraordinary life, and children never entered that equation. Though the singer was in serious relationships that may have welcomed kids at one point, it never happened for him. His career was his primary focus throughout his life, spanning more than four decades and accumulating over 100 million record sales. Plus, Michael infamously had run-ins with the law that could have compromised his role as a parent. By all accounts, he was a passionate musician who never stayed in one place too long, so perhaps he chose his lifestyle, his career, and his art over having children.

The big question then becomes who will inherit Michael's significant estate, valued at around $200 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. Most of it will likely go to his two older sisters and father, but a significant portion could be donated to the philanthropic causes Michael was passionate about. He was a longtime patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, as well as close personal friends with the fellow British singer. Michael also recorded a cover of Stevie Wonder's "You and I" to benefit Prince William and Duchess Catherine's Royal Wedding Charity Fund, a consortium of 26 international charities, when the couple married in 2011. Philanthropy was a big part of Michael's life in leu of children, so it should be an important part of the legacy he leaves behind too.

From the beginning of his career to the end of his life, Michael lived out loud, and he seemed more than fulfilled without children. With all his accolades and experiences, it'd be difficult to argue that Michael missed out on anything by not having kids. Michael was a consistent reminder that everyone walks their own path in life, and though his was ultimately too short, it seemed intentionally and joyfully his own.