Ricky Nelson, a successful singer, left behind five children, including twins Matthew and Gunnar, who followed in his footsteps by forming the band Nelson. The twins achieved fame in the early ’90s but faced many challenges after their father’s tragic death in 1985.
Contrary to popular belief, the Nelson twins did not inherit wealth. They revealed, “Our dad died, and unfortunately, the truth was, he was over $4 million in debt, and we spent years paying that back.” Additionally, their mother, Kristin Nelson, was unsupportive, spending their college fund and leaving them with only $26.
Despite their struggles, the twins persevered, landing a record deal after much effort. Matthew noted, “Our mother made it very difficult for us to play music.” Gunnar added that they always hoped for her approval, but she remained distant.
Their father’s sudden decision to exclude them from the doomed flight on which he perished likely saved their lives. Gunnar reflected, “Matthew and Gunnar’s dad saved their lives,” a tragic yet life-altering moment that shaped their resilience.
