Rick Springfield has revealed the personal reason behind his decision to become an American citizen, explaining that he wanted to make sure his wife would be able to take care of important matters if he passed away before her.
Becoming a Citizen
The Australian‑born musician, who officially secured his U.S. citizenship in 2006, joked to People that he once told friends he did it because he “wanted to be on jury duty,” adding, “I heard it was so much fun and such a kick that I just, I said, ‘I gotta do this!’”
But the 76-year-old musician said the real motivation was far more serious.
He explained, “Honestly, it was for reasons like if I die first, my wife will be able to make financial decisions.”
Springfield and his wife, Barbara Porter, have been married for 41 years and now live in California.
He said the United States feels like home after decades spent there.
Springfield continued, “My friends are here, my family’s here. I do have some cousins back in Australia, but, you know, this is where my life is, and I love this place.”
“I love the country. … honestly I wouldn’t have done if I didn’t love America.”
Joining Sammy Hagar on Tour
Springfield is preparing to join Sammy Hagar for several dates on the Best of All Worlds tour later this month, saying he’s excited to hit the stage with his longtime friend.
He said, “I love being on the road and Sammy’s a lot of fun on the road and great to hang with, and we’ve both got great bands and it’s just gonna be a rocking and a rolling.”
Hagar, however, admitted he doesn’t share Springfield’s enthusiasm for touring life.
He said, “I personally don’t like being on the road. I don’t care what anyone says. I’m not gonna lie and tell you, ‘Oh, I love being on the road.’ I don’t like being on the road. I love to play music.”
He added that the constant travel is the part he struggles with most.
The former Van Halen singer, 78, said, “I like to get on stage and play music, but I don’t like going back to a hotel room, packing my bags and getting up and leaving the next day and doing all that stuff. That’s what’s so great about the residency that I’m about to do. You go there, you park, you stay in one place.”