Paul Anka: Biography, Greatest Hits, Family, and Health Today

There aren’t many performers who can claim to have been a teenage heartthrob and the songwriter behind Frank Sinatra’s signature anthem. Paul Anka pulled off both, and then some. This article takes a clear-eyed look at his Lebanese roots, the song that made him a star, his marriages, and his health — drawing on the most reliable sources available.

Full name: Paul Albert Anka · Birth date: July 30, 1941 · Nationality: Canadian and American · Biggest hit: “Diana” (1957) · Net worth (estimated): $80 million · Spouse (current): Anna Anka (m. 2008–present)

Eight key facts at a glance — one pattern: Anka’s life weaves together two distinct chapters, first as a teen idol and later as a respected songwriter for legends.

Is Paul Anka Lebanese or Syrian?

Paul Anka’s family roots in Lebanon

Paul Anka’s father was a Syrian immigrant from Lebanon, and his mother also came from the Levant. The family ran a restaurant in Ottawa, where Anka grew up (Encyclopedia.com). Multiple biographies describe his ancestry as Lebanese, though some sources also note Syrian or Syrian-Lebanese heritage (Wikipedia).

How Anka identifies his heritage

Anka has publicly embraced his Lebanese roots. He performed to sold-out crowds in Beirut in 1999, reconnecting with his ancestral homeland (French Wikipedia). Some sources describe his family as Antiochian Orthodox Christians of Lebanese origin (EthniCelebs), but Anka himself has not issued a detailed statement on his religious affiliation.

Bottom line: Anka’s heritage is firmly rooted in the Levant — Lebanese and Syrian. The precise mix varies by source, but the consensus points to Lebanese descent.

What was Paul Anka’s greatest hit?

‘Diana’ – the song that launched his career

Released in 1957 when Anka was just 16, “Diana” sold over 10 million copies worldwide and became his first No. 1 hit (Biography.com). The song’s success turned him into an international teen idol almost overnight.

Other major hits

• “Lonely Boy” (1959) – another No. 1 for Anka
• “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” (1959) – enduring ballad
• “(You’re) Having My Baby” (1974) – duet with Odia Coates, also charted No. 1 (Wikipedia)

Bottom line: “Diana” remains Anka’s signature song and biggest commercial success. But his catalog also includes “My Way,” which he wrote for Frank Sinatra – arguably his most enduring legacy.

Where is Paul Anka living today?

Current residence in California

Paul Anka resides primarily in Los Angeles, California. He also owns a home in the Bahamas and has previously lived in Ottawa and Bermuda.

Past homes

After his divorce from Anne de Zogheb, Anka relocated from the East Coast to the West Coast. He maintains a relatively private life in the Hollywood Hills area.

The pattern: Anka’s migration from Canada to the U.S. mirrors his career shift from regional to global star.

What happened to Paul Anka’s first wife?

Marriage to Anne de Zogheb

Anka married Anne de Zogheb, a model of Lebanese-Egyptian and European descent, in 1963 (Biography.com). The couple had five daughters together.

Divorce and later life

The marriage ended in divorce in 2001 (Encyclopedia.com). Sources differ on whether it was 2000 or 2001, but the split was amicable. Anne de Zogheb has maintained a low profile since.

Bottom line: Anka’s first marriage lasted 38 years and produced five children. The divorce marked the end of his longest relationship, but both parties moved on without public bitterness.

Is Paul Anka nice in real life?

Reputation among peers and fans

Anka is widely described as professional and polite. Colleagues in the music industry often praise his work ethic and generosity. However, some anecdotes paint him as demanding — a perfectionist about his craft.

Contrast with celebrity persona

Offstage, Anka is known for his sharp business sense and direct manner. Fans who have met him report a courteous, approachable demeanor, though the stage personality is more polished.

Is Paul Anka a Catholic?

Upbringing in a Christian household

Anka was raised in a Catholic family. His parents were Antiochian Orthodox Christians, but he attended Catholic school and was raised in the faith (EthniCelebs).

Current religious views

He has not publicly changed his religious affiliation. In interviews, he occasionally references spiritual themes but keeps his personal beliefs private.

Bottom line: Anka’s childhood was Catholic, and there is no evidence he has shifted away from that foundation.

How is Paul Anka’s health?

Recent health updates

Paul Anka continues to perform and record well into his 80s. He released the album “Inspirations of Life & Love” in 2020 and has remained active on the live circuit.

Past medical issues

No reliable source reports a major current health crisis. Anka’s longevity on stage suggests he is in good condition for his age.

Bottom line: As of 2025, Paul Anka is healthy enough to tour. Fans can expect to see him performing for years to come.

For anyone tracking Paul Anka’s legacy, the choice is clear: appreciate the teen-idol chapter that launched him, but recognize the songwriter who crafted anthems for legends. His health remains strong, his Lebanese roots are a point of pride, and his greatest hit still plays at weddings worldwide.