Lana Del Rey, the renowned “Ride” singer, has been a subject of conspiracy and speculation throughout her career. Recently, she confronted one of the more persistent rumors regarding her family’s financial background in an interview with The Sunday Times. Del Rey, 38, took this opportunity to set the record straight about the long-standing report of her being born into wealth, particularly addressing a 2012 story in The Guardian which referred to her father as a millionaire, a claim she firmly denies.
Del Rey expressed frustration over the impact of these rumors on her life and career. “It’s crazy if you say something that’s tabloid-psycho untrue about me, but I can’t get a word in? Congratulations! You’re going to ruin how people listen to my music,” she remarked, highlighting the detrimental effects of misinformation on public perception. Her stance was clear: while she’s not after constant praise, making up stories about her is not okay.
The artist also revisited this topic in a now-deleted Instagram post last October. Del Rey took a moment to address the rumors about her affluent upbringing. Addressing the ongoing speculation about her family’s wealth, she began by describing her hometown, Lake Placid, New York, as “not a wealthy town.” She explained her attendance at a private boarding school, attributing it to financial assistance due to her uncle’s employment there.
Del Rey recalled her schooling years as fraught with challenges. She recounted that her peers were aware of her modest financial status, which led to her being labeled “White trash from Lake Placid.” This revelation shed light on the struggles she faced due to her economic background, contrary to the popular belief of her privileged upbringing.
Del Rey also spoke of her family’s financial struggles. She remembered her parents often arguing over money and her father, Rob Grant, working as a woodworker to support the family. She emphasized that his entry into financial success came much later, after joining an internet domain developer business.
Del Rey’s journey to financial stability took time. She shared that it wasn’t until around the age of 26, when her music career began to gain traction, that she experienced some level of financial comfort. Remarkably, she disclosed that during her 2012 performance on Saturday Night Live, she was living in a hostel in New York City.
In addition to dispelling these rumors, Del Rey opened up about her personal growth and future aspirations. She expressed her readiness for new life experiences, including the possibility of starting a family. “That’s why God didn’t give me children yet,” she said, suggesting that her journey still holds many paths to venture down.
As for motherhood, Del Rey sees it in her future, though with a sense of cautious optimism. “I see it coming for me. We’ll see. We’ll see what melts the wings,” she said, leaving the possibility open and acknowledging the unpredictable nature of life.
Lana Del Rey’s candidness in addressing these rumors provides a glimpse into the realities of a public figure often misunderstood and misrepresented. Her journey, marked by struggles and triumphs, shows how strong and genuine she is, which has endeared her to fans worldwide. As she continues navigating the complexities of fame and personal growth, Del Rey remains a compelling figure in the music industry whose story continues to evolve.
