In an interview conducted just weeks before his death, Oliver Tree shared that his fortune would be directed toward supporting artists rather than going to his family.
Appearing on the Zach Sang Show while dressed as the iconic movie character Shrek, Tree discussed his plans for the earnings from his music career. He revealed that he had established a foundation specifically aimed at helping artists.
“I don’t believe that any of the wealth, or things I get from it, are mine,” he explained around the 53-minute mark. “So when I die, my will is set up that no one is going to get a penny. If I have a wife or kids, they’re not getting a fucking penny. I’m getting my kids through college, but they’re not going to have silver spoons.”
“The idea is that when I die, all the money is going to go back to artists,” Tree continued. “I’ve set up a foundation called Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses, and it’s set up so that the interest generated from my music. But there’s room for other money, because when I die, my art will have residual value and will probably be worth more than it is now. It will finally appreciate. My stupid fucking videos. My stupid fucking songs.”
Tree elaborated further, delving into the intricate details of his foundation.
“I don’t believe in money going to education,” he explained. “I want it to go to the physical making of art. You’re not allowed to buy equipment with the money. You’re not allowed to go get education and schooling with the money. You have to physically hire people to physically produce stuff — and you’re allowed to rent equipment to make things.”
Tree wrapped up the explanation by stating that a committee would be responsible for deciding who receives the funds. He also expressed his hope that the foundation would endure for a hundred years.
Tree sadly lost his life on June 14 in a tragic accident involving two helicopter collisions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was among six individuals who perished in the crash. Tree had been in Rio as part of his The World’s First World Tour, which began on May 30 in Mexico City. He was scheduled to begin the European leg of the tour on July 1 with a performance in Lisbon, Portugal.
