John Oates, the legendary guitarist who made waves in the '70s with the iconic duo Hall & Oates, is more than just a rock star. Behind the scenes, he's a devoted dad who has built an unshakable bond with his only child, Tanner Oates. In a candid conversation with Closer, John opens up about their relationship, revealing the depth of their connection despite the challenges of a busy music career.
“Even though we don’t always get to see each other often these days, there’s this rock-solid bond between us that nothing can break,” John shares warmly. “And honestly, one of the most important things for me as a parent was letting Tanner become exactly who he was meant to be, not who I wanted him to be.” It’s clear that John has always prioritized nurturing Tanner's individuality, allowing him to carve out his own path in life.
A Father's Journey: From Rock Stages to Parenting
John’s journey as a father began in the '90s with his second wife, Aimee Oates. The couple welcomed Tanner in 1996, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives. Unlike his first marriage to Nancy Hunter in the '80s, which didn’t result in children, this time around, John was ready to embrace parenthood wholeheartedly.
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Raising a Child on the Road: Homeschooling and Adventures
Life on the road didn’t stop John from being an active father. In fact, he brought Tanner along for the ride, starting when his son was just five weeks old. “We took him everywhere with us,” John recalls. “It was all about making sure he had the best experiences possible, even if that meant homeschooling him until he was 13.” This unique upbringing allowed Tanner to grow up surrounded by music, travel, and adventure, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Despite being surrounded by music at home, Tanner didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps. “We tried giving him music lessons, but it just wasn’t his thing,” John explains. “He’s always been more into science and analytical stuff. And that’s okay! We encouraged him to pursue what made him happy, and that’s what matters most.”
Tanner’s Path: Science, Politics, and Family Ties
Tanner went on to attend Virginia Tech, where he honed his analytical skills. After graduation, he interned in Congress for a year, further solidifying his passion for science and politics. Today, Tanner resides in Arlington, Virginia, while his parents split their time between Colorado and Tennessee. Though they don’t see each other regularly, their bond remains as strong as ever.
“We don’t get to hang out as much as I’d like, but when we do, it’s magical,” John says with a smile. “Over Christmas, we spent three weeks together, and it was incredible. We’d take our truck up into the backcountry, camping under the stars. It’s those moments that remind me how special our relationship is.”
