Nikki Sixx has come a long way in her sobriety and has a “clear vision” of what she wants for the future: to continue to make a difference.
The husband and father of five, who rose to fame in the 1980s with legendary rock band Mötley Crüe, spoke to PEOPLE on his 65th birthday.
Describing his current mindset, Sixx says he’s equally focused on “the ramp[ing] on the charity side as much as the creative side,” noting that he’s “happy to still be here.”
“And being sober probably helps with all of that because you can have a clear vision and you can lead a little better,” adds Sixx.
For the multi-talented artist – who celebrated 22 years of sobriety in July – that means giving back.
Nikki Sixx Reflects on Turning 65, Talks About Her Quiet Life in Jackson Hole: ‘I’m So Grateful’ (Exclusive)
“I was very lucky Diaries of heroines a book for which they could raise millions of dollars [the nonprofit] Covenant House to help bring them a music program,” says the best-selling author, referring to his rock ‘n roll memoir. “And that’s something that’s a growing initiative in my life as we go forward.”
Sixx continues to support various charitable programs and says he “tries to give back on all different levels,” from children in need to people with disabilities.
“My sister was born with Down syndrome and wasn’t supposed to live more than six months,” he said of his younger sister Lisa. “She did—she lived 40 years.”
In honor of Lisa, Sixx publicly supported Mattel’s creation of a Barbie doll with Down syndrome.
“This is amazing. As some of you know my sister Lisa was born with Down. ♥️♥️♥️,” Sixx wrote on Instagram in April, sharing the news of the doll’s release.
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He and his wife, Courtney Sixx, have befriended many locals in the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where they live most of the year, including a man with Down syndrome named Tim McLaurin.
Affectionately known as “Jackson’s Biggest Rockstar,” McLaurin is a big fan of Sixx, who invited him to family parties and took McLaurin on fun drives in his sports car.
In 2021, Sixx collaborated with McLaurin to release a Crüe-inspired “Jackson’s Biggest Rockstar” t-shirt, with all proceeds going to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Another local friend of the Sixx family, Bryan Kirkpatrick, says he first met Nikki and Courtney while delivering groceries to their homes during COVID. “They changed my life,” he told PEOPLE, “just because they were appreciated.”
Elsewhere in an interview with PEOPLE on Monday, Sixx explains how much he enjoys being surrounded by mountains.
“We always love being in Jackson. It really clears our heads and allows us to reset,” says Sixx, who spent the weekend supporting the inaugural Jackson Hole International Film Festival (JHIFF) as a founding committee member with his wife, who greeted festival-goers with your DIY Bouquet Box Floral Bar.
NIkki Sixx and Courtney Sixx at the inaugural Jackson Hole International Film Festival on December 8, 2023.
Taylor Glenn
“We spend a lot of time outside. I mean, the whole point of being here is really being outside, whether you like skiing or fishing or hiking or being on the lakes or snowmobiling. And it’s very social here, so it’s fantastic for us. And we always come here, and even today on my birthday, it’s like I wake up and say, “I can’t think of a place I’d rather be.”
“And to be able to still be creative at 65 and have a beautiful family and surrounded by good friends. I’m very grateful.”
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Source: HIS Education