Oliver Tree had planned to use his will to give his money “back to artists”, the late singer revealed earlier this year.
The beloved singer-songwriter and viral star, remembered for his songs ‘Life Goes On’, ‘Miss You’ and ‘When I’m Down’, died in a helicopter crash yesterday (June 14), with five others also losing their lives in the mid-air collision in Brazil.
Many in the entertainment industry have expressed their shock at the news, with Melanie Martinez, Kid Cudi, T-Pain, KSI and Flying Lotus among those to pay tribute.
Now, fans have been sharing an interview that Tree gave in April this year in which he discussed the plans he had for his will. Speaking on The Zach Sang Show, he said: “I don’t believe that the wealth or anything that is generated from [my work] is mine.”
“My will is set up so when I pass, my family, nobody is going to get a penny. If I have a wife or kids or anything, they’re not getting a penny. I’ll get my kids through college, that’s the agreement, but there’s not gonna be a silver spoon.”
He explained that instead, he intended to set up his own foundation, Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants For Baby Geniuses, although it is unclear whether he managed to put it in place before his death.
Even more poignantly, Tree also imagined the possible consequence his death might have on the way his music is appreciated in the world. “There’s also room for other money, because when I die, my art will continue to have residuals and probably be worth more than it is now,” he said.
“People will finally appreciate my stupid videos and my stupid songs. That’s when people appreciate you, when you’re not there anymore.”
“Hopefully it will last for like 100 years and people can donate,” he added.
Melanie Martinez, a former partner of Tree’s, shared a tribute on her Instagram story, and remembered him as a “true artist” with a “soft heart”.
“Been an absolute wreck today,” she wrote. “It’s really hard to understand how someone who you once shared such a specific and formative time of your life with can all of a sudden be gone. He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected so deeply.
“I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked. His laugh was so contagious and warm. His ability to lead creatively and take action while also maintaining a sense of childlike wonder and awe was so inspiring. He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way.”
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