Celebrities who planned their own funerals (and why it’s not as strange as you think!)

Talking about death isn’t always easy, but more and more people are seeing the value in making their wishes known before the time comes. Surprisingly, some celebrities have been very open about their funeral plans — from eco-friendly burials to carefully chosen soundtracks. These stories not only show us the individuality of each star, but also highlight the importance of planning ahead.

Luke Perry: A Mushroom Suit Burial

When Beverly Hills, 90210 star Luke Perry tragically passed away in 2019, his family honored his wish to be buried in a biodegradable mushroom suit. This unusual but meaningful choice is designed to help the body return safely to the earth, neutralizing toxins and nourishing the soil. Perry’s decision reflected his interest in sustainable living, even in death, and inspired many people to think differently about eco-friendly burial options.

Ozzy Osbourne: A Funeral of Joy, Pranks, and Unexpected Music

Ozzy Osbourne made it clear he didn’t want a traditional, somber funeral — quite the opposite. Back in 2011, he revealed that his service should be a celebration rather than a mournful event. He even joked about including pranks, like coffin knocking or humorous videos of himself, to lighten the mood. He also suggested playing surprising, wide-ranging music instead of just heavy rock. For Ozzy, the point was simple: his funeral should reflect his mischievous, larger-than-life personality, leaving people laughing and uplifted rather than weighed down.

Ed Sheeran: Eject — A Posthumous Album Already Planned

Ed Sheeran has taken a very thoughtful approach to his legacy. He revealed that he’s written plans into his will for a posthumous album titled Eject. His wife, Cherry, will have the responsibility of selecting the final ten tracks from the vast library of songs he’s written since the age of 18. Over the years, Ed plans to discuss with her which songs belong on the list, ensuring that the collection truly represents his life’s work. It’s a striking example of creativity meeting practicality, ensuring his music continues to touch people long after he’s gone.

Tupac Shakur: Turning Lyrics into Reality

Tupac Shakur’s life and art were always intertwined, and that continued even after his death. In his 1996 song Black Jesus, he rapped about the idea of his ashes being smoked by his friends — a bold lyric that, remarkably, was later carried out. After his cremation, members of his group the Outlawz claimed they honored his wishes by rolling some of his ashes into a blunt during a memorial gathering. While unusual and controversial, the act was deeply symbolic — a way of keeping Tupac literally close, and turning his words into one final lived reality.

Why It Matters for All of Us

These celebrity stories might seem quirky or extreme, but they actually shine a light on something important: planning ahead gives us control and peace of mind. Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly burial methods, selecting meaningful music, or leaving behind a legacy project, making these decisions ensures our loved ones know how we’d like to be remembered.

You don’t need to be famous to think about your own wishes. Taking the time to plan, and even to talk openly about it, can turn a traditionally difficult subject into an empowering one. So, the next time you hear about a celebrity’s unusual funeral request, don’t just see it as eccentric — see it as a reminder that we all have the chance to shape our own story, right up until the very end.

✨ If these stories inspire you to think about your own wishes, why not write them down? My Wishes Book is designed to help you record your plans, from small details to big decisions, giving peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.