98 Degrees, the celebrated pop group, may have millions of fans, but when it comes to impressing their children, they admit it’s a bit of a challenge. At the 22nd Annual Asian American Awards on December 14, 2024, the band members opened up about parenthood and how their kids view them.
Jeff Timmons, a father of two, shared that his kids aren’t exactly impressed by his fame. “No matter what we show them, we’re still not as cool as Justin Bieber or K-pop groups,” he confessed. Despite the lack of enthusiasm, Timmons continues to make an effort to impress them. “We’re giving it the old college try,” he added, laughing about the challenge of competing with modern pop culture icons.
Nick Lachey, also a father of three, shared his experience with his kids. He said, “It’s cool to be able to share what we love to do with our kids.” Lachey, who has two sons, Camden and Phoenix, and a daughter, Brooklyn, with his wife Vanessa, enjoys having them join him at concerts. “For them to come and see us in concert, that’s an added perk,” he said, recognizing the unique opportunity his children have to witness his musical career firsthand.
Meanwhile, Justin Jeffre felt more confident, saying, “I think the kids know we’re cool.” His assertion highlights a more optimistic view of his kids’ perceptions, suggesting they appreciate the legacy he and his bandmates have built over the years.
Drew Lachey, the youngest member at 43, shared insights about his children, Isabella and Hudson. His daughter, 19, is a theater enthusiast and has shown an interest in following her father’s performance path. “She definitely wants to continue to perform,” Lachey explained. However, his son, Hudson, has different interests. “He wants to just play sports,” Drew added with a smile, acknowledging their diverse passions.
The Asian American Awards gala honored top talents in entertainment and culture, with 98 Degrees also taking the stage. Their performance was one of the highlights, demonstrating that while their kids may not be as impressed as their fans, the band’s legacy continues to shine in the public eye.
This special event showcased a blend of star power and family dynamics, offering a rare look into the personal lives of 98 Degrees’ iconic members. Their children may not fully grasp their legendary status, but the bond they share with their families remains just as important as their musical success.