Born in 1960, Kim Wilde is the daughter of 60s musician Marty Wilde. In 1981, she achieved worldwide fame with her first hit "Kids in America." Over the years, she released twenty-five Top 50 hits in the UK, such as "You Keep Me Hangin' On" and "Cambodia," making her the best-charting female artist of the 1980s. Following a break from music to raise her two sons, Harry, who is currently 26, and Rose, aged 24, with former husband actor Hal Fowler, she transitioned into horticulture, hosting various garden-related television programs and earning a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005. Today, she performs her classic tracks during concerts.
She reflects on the experiences that reshaped her views about career, relationships, family, finances, and well-being.
Music felt easier for me than being a mother - and I'm not ashamed to acknowledge that. For my father as well, he continues to tour and release new albums even at the age of 87 — music has always been his main focus. If I had the chance to relive my life, I would approach things entirely differently. I didn't truly understand just how wonderful it is to be a parent.
I can't recall specifically deciding: "I want to become a pop singer when I'm older." However, I simply felt certain about it. I felt that my fate was about to take a turn start with music in an extremely impressive manner. I truly sense things quite keenly. It has a slight mystical quality. Naturally, fame was also a part of my background and upbringing.
Since I was raised by a well-known father, I became familiar with celebrity life. I felt fortunate to have employment and autonomy. At twenty years old, I was still residing with my family when "Kids in America" came out in 1981, and it became a gateway to exploring the globe, performing, and fully embracing a musical lifestyle. While some youth may feel overwhelmed by celebrity status, I cherished being indulged endlessly. There was always champagne ready in my room wherever I went.
While residing in London during the 1980s, I witnessed an individual attempting to scale the downspout of my residence. I saw the top of his head, and he was attempting to peer through the window. I recall kneeling on the ground and calling the police, though I don't believe anything significant happened. When they arrived, he had already fled.
I've also had individuals resting outside my residence. Individuals have found themselves sleeping in my neighbor's shed due to mistaken access to the yard. Shortly after I got married, prior to having a fence, two Russians came around to the back of the kitchen and knocked on the door. "Where is Kim Wilde? I wish to marry her." My husband at the time went outside and replied: "You're too late, buddy. I married her six months ago."
I never viewed myself as a sexual icon. I've consistently maintained the same mindset, which has been about enjoying myself. I was aware that I could adopt an expression and apply some lip color and make it work. Although I wasn't always successful at it, I viewed it as an enjoyable disguise, similar to playing dress-up for adults.
Performing with Michael Jackson in 1988 showed me just how terrifying intense celebrity can be. It compels you to remain indoors, within a golden enclosure. I witnessed how isolated He had evolved into something else, so I felt truly thankful that I was the opening act and still enjoyed all the excitement. I had the chance to travel, then return home and live a normal life—shopping for groceries without needing a security guard. That touring period marked the start of my thoughts about leaving the music business and exploring a different path.
I returned to university at the age of 36 to pursue studies in horticulture. At that time, I was raising two children. Afterward, I received invitations to participate in gardening television shows. Some referred to it as a transformation, yet I simply felt an immense enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge and tending to gardens. My aim was to create a garden where the children could grow up surrounded by nature. When I stepped away from music, the one aspect I truly missed from the entertainment world was getting my makeup applied.
Abandoning drinking at the age of 55 significantly improved my well-being. That was among the finest choices I've ever taken. Both my bodily well-being and, even more significantly, my psychological state are excellent at present. Abstaining from alcohol provides a clear mind that someone would not experience when slightly intoxicated or suffering from a hangover.
Gardening, taking walks with my dog, and meditating have become my ways of relieving stress. I meditate all the time I dedicate a significant amount of time to myself, and I'm content with that. There was a period when I didn't feel at ease being alone, but now I do. It involves staying in the moment, something that proves more challenging than it appears.
I enjoy browsing endlessly — I can't stand hearing anything negative about scrolling. I enjoy watching videos of dogs. I also like videos featuring cats. I'm fascinated by content related to pyramids, ancient civilizations, and the enigmas of the cosmos. I dive deep into these topics. Sometimes I find myself bursting into laughter, or simply gazing in awe at our incredible world. It excites me and deeply motivates me. I can never say anything negative about Instagram.
At age 65, I prefer a calm form of love instead of being completely swept off my feet. Another instance of this soft, companionable presence in an ordinary manner. Finding contentment in sitting at a table sipping a cup of tea.
I have greater faith in love today than I ever have before. It's sentimental, yet as you grow older and begin to cherish yourself, then You're aware that you can develop affection for another person. It begins within you. You must put in the effort and achieve inner tranquility.
Each morning, I glance into the mirror and remind myself of my deep affection for who I am. I declare, 'Kim, I love you.' It's genuinely simple not to love oneself. It's effortless to be harsh with yourself, to identify flaws and dwell on them, to take mental paths that lead nowhere but downward.
I am not motivated by earning wealth I'm motivated by creativity. I also appreciate money. I enjoy browsing Amazon and saying to myself, "Yep, I'm getting that." I value the liberty that comes with it, since not everyone can experience it.
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