Tony Hawk Reflects on Becoming an Empty Nester: What’s Next for the Skater Extraordinaire
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Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder, is gearing up for a new chapter in his life as an empty nester. In an exclusive interview at the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards, Hawk, who is 57 years old, opened up about his feelings as he prepares to enter this phase of parenthood. With four children from three different relationships, Hawk shared his plans for the future with PEOPLE, revealing that he and his wife Catherine Goodman are looking forward to embracing their roles as grandparents.
The skateboarding icon expressed that the impending transition to being an empty nester doesn’t feel surreal to him, as all of his children reside in Southern California and remain close to him. Hawk mentioned that they still maintain their rooms, indicating the strong bond he shares with his children. Despite the changes on the horizon, Hawk seems optimistic and excited about the prospect of entering this new stage of his life and focusing on his grandchild.
Hawk’s journey into fatherhood began in 1992 when he welcomed his first child, Riley, with ex-wife Cindy Dunbar. Subsequently, he expanded his family with sons Spencer and Keegan, and later had his only daughter, Kadence, with former spouse Lhotse Merriam. Over the years, Hawk has been vocal about the values he aims to instill in his children, emphasising the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and forging one’s own path in life.
In a 2019 interview, Hawk highlighted the significance of balancing his career with family commitments, acknowledging the need to prioritise emotional support and quality time with his kids. Despite his demanding schedule as a professional skateboarder, Hawk made it a point to be present for his children, even if it meant turning down lucrative opportunities to ensure he could nurture his family relationships effectively.
While only one of his children followed in his footsteps professionally, all of them have dabbled in skateboarding to some extent. Hawk’s eldest son, Riley, has garnered praise within the skateboarding community, with fans expressing admiration for his skills at his father’s events. Reflecting on his family’s journey, Hawk has shared candidly about the challenges of balancing fatherhood with his career, shedding light on the ups and downs of navigating both worlds simultaneously.
In September 2024, Hawk experienced another milestone as he embraced grandfatherhood when Riley and wife Frances Bean Cobain welcomed their first child, Ronin Walker Cobain Hawk. The seasoned skateboarder expressed joy and fulfilment at this new role, describing the thrill of being a grandparent as unparalleled. Hawk hinted at the special bond he shares with his grandson, noting the carefree and fun-filled moments they enjoy together, where rules take a backseat to pure enjoyment and connection.
As Tony Hawk prepares to embark on the next chapter of his life, balancing his legacy in skateboarding with the joys of grandparenthood, his journey serves as an inspiring example of prioritising family amid a demanding career. With his children forging their paths and a new generation entering the fold, Hawk’s legacy continues to evolve, rooted in values of perseverance, love, and unwavering support for his loved ones.