Comments made by singer Oliver Tree about Death, inheritance, and his legacy are drawing renewed attention following reports that he was among six people killed in a helicopter collision in Brazil.
According to Fox News, the 32-year-old musician recently discussed what would happen to his money after his Death during an appearance on the “Zach Sang Show,” outlining plans that differed sharply from a traditional inheritance.
“I don’t believe that any of the wealth, or the things that get made from it, is mine,” Tree said. “So when I die, my will is set up that when I pass, my family, no one’s going to get a penny.”
Tree went even further while describing how he wanted his estate handled.
“If I had a wife or kids or anything, not getting a f***ing penny,” he said.
The singer explained that while he would support children through college, he did not want future generations relying on inherited wealth.
“I’ll get my kids through college. That’s the agreement,” he said. “But there’s not going to be a silver spoon.”
Instead, Tree said he created a foundation called Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses and wanted his assets directed toward supporting artists.
According to Tree, the money would be used to help creators hire people and produce projects rather than purchase equipment or fund schooling.
“You have to physically hire people to physically produce stuff — and you’re allowed to rent equipment to make things,” he said.
Tree also described plans for a committee that would determine where funding would be distributed each year.
“I have basically a committee that I’ve set up when I pass — and I plan to do it while I’m alive — where basically everyone will vote on who the money goes to each year,” he said.
One remark from the interview has attracted particular attention in light of recent events.
“But there’s room for other money, because when I die, my art will have residual value and will probably be worth more than it is now,” Tree said. “People will finally appreciate my stupid f****ing videos and my stupid f****ing songs. That’s when people appreciate you, when you’re not there anymore.”
Reports from Brazil indicate Tree was among six people killed when two helicopters collided in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning.
Authorities said one helicopter crashed into a car dealership, sparking a fire among parked electric vehicles. An investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing.
Tree had recently performed in São Paulo on June 6 during a world tour supporting his latest album, “Love You Madly, Hate You Badly.” His next scheduled performance was set for July 1 in Lisbon.
The California-born performer became known for blending alternative pop, hip-hop, and comedy, earning a following through songs including “Hurt,” “Alien Boy” and “Life Goes On.”