Johannesburg, South Africa – Afrikaans musician Anton Goosen, 80, is expecting a baby boy with his wife and says they are “excited,” calling it a meaningful new chapter in his life. He has scaled back work to focus on family, saying now is the right time to be present after decades in the music industry. Addressing criticism, Goosen remains philosophical, saying life is unpredictable and “a gift,” adding that they are “bringing life into the world with new hope.”
At 80, legendary Afrikaans singer Anton Goosen is once again embracing a deeply personal chapter – fatherhood. Speaking candidly about the news in a recent News24 interview, Goosen says the moment is filled with joy and wonder for both him and his wife, Estie.
“We’re excited. It’s a good time in one’s life… the wife is very happy.”
Now 23 weeks into the pregnancy, the couple are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby boy, due around the end of June or early July. For Goosen, one of the most remarkable parts of the journey has been witnessing the pregnancy unfold through modern technology.
“You are actually watching the creation, being created,” he says. “It’s really amazing how… You can see the fingers pointing, you can see the legs, you can see the head, everything, and any movement… if everything is healthy and OK and ready to go.“
While the news has sparked mixed reactions online, Goosen offers a grounded and hopeful perspective.
“There are people dropping bombs on schools… and taking away life, and we are bringing life into the world with new hope… hopefully, he will make a difference in this world. So it’s two opposites.”
This will be Goosen’s third child, with his other two children now grown and living abroad. But for the seasoned musician, this moment feels like something entirely new.
“Yes, it does,” he says when asked if it feels like a fresh beginning. “I’ve been in the music industry… almost five decades, and I’ve done what I want to do in music. Let me put it that way… I’ve done what I dreamt about when I was a little boy… so this is like the home thing.”
That “home thing” has become a priority. After years of touring and chasing a career, Goosen is intentionally slowing down. “I have fewer gigs… I’m just taking it easy, and I’m at home so I can help my wife as it should be, I suppose.”
He explains that timing played a key role in their decision to grow their family now. “I don’t see myself going out on 6 musical tours. What’s the point? You’re not enjoying the baby at home. You’re not there, you’re not helping, nothing.”
Now, he says, he can fully be present. “At this stage, I can pull back a little and spend the majority of my time on this… happy tribe thing.”
While becoming a father at 80 may seem extraordinary to many, Goosen takes it in his stride, referencing other notable figures who have done the same. “Well, the same as Al Pacino prepared for it, or Robert De Niro and Picasso, Julio Iglesias, Abraham in the Bible… they were all older than me, so I’ll just follow their example.”
He also acknowledges the realities of age, but remains philosophical.
“Life is a gift. Life is not a given, and one doesn’t choose… one doesn’t know how much that time is. So make the most of it, of the time that you’ve got.”
When it comes to parenting this time around, Goosen believes experience will make a meaningful difference. “When one is young, one thinks one knows everything… but with age comes maturity as well,” he says. “There are a lot of things I think I’ll do better this time around.”
He adds thoughtfully: “It’s not the amount one pours, it’s what one pours… pouring the correct things.”
As for the practicalities, including sleepless nights, Goosen remains relaxed. “Fortunately, there are two of us… and I’ve had rehearsals of it twice before,” he says.
For Estie, the pregnancy has been smooth so far, something Goosen clearly cherishes. “She didn’t have morning sickness… and her eyes are glowing. It’s just wonderful. I’ve always thought pregnant women are very, very beautiful because there’s a light shining from them.”
The couple are still deciding on a name, with Goosen noting the importance of choosing carefully. “One’s got to be very careful with names… people shorten it or come up with nicknames… as long as it’s kind.”
As for whether this new chapter will inspire new music, Goosen says he’s in no rush. “I can’t write a song when I don’t know what he looks like or what he’s like,” he explains. “But I will do a song… when he’s with us, and I’ve observed him for a while.”
For now, the focus remains on what lies ahead – a quieter, more present life centred around family, love and new beginnings.
“It’s time to spend more time with my tribe," signaling a shift from the stage to the joys of fatherhood and family life.
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