Blake Shelton treats Gwen Stefani’s sons as if they were his own. He told PEOPLE, “Even though I’m a stepparent, I take that job very seriously. The kids see me as a very important person in their life.” Shelton recently announced that after the 23rd season of NBC’s “The Voice,” he is stepping away from his coaching duties.

“If I walked away from my career at this time, the only thing that I run the risk of is having regrets that I’m missing out on some more important things in life. For now, that’s our kids. This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again,” he said of pivoting to a less work-based life.

Stefani and Shelton met on “The Voice” and began dating in 2015. The two got engaged in October 2020 and were married in July 2021. The country crooner, 46, was previously married to fellow country musician Miranda Lambert from 2011-15. From 2003-06, Shelton was married to Kaynette Williams.

Stefani, 53, was married to rocker Gavin Rossdale from 2002-16, having filed for divorce in 2015. They share three sons: Kingston, 16; Zuma, 14; and Apollo, 8. Shelton said his stepchildren “taught me something about myself that I never knew: I’m more than just a country singer or a goofy guy. I’m someone they actually lean on, and that’s not a responsibility that I ever had and not something that I ever considered even being into.”

“It’s a different kind of self-worth,” the country singer added. “Maybe it’s the opposite of self-worth because you put yourself way down on the rung, and they move up ahead of you.” On Father’s Day this year, Stefani paid tribute to Shelton on her Instagram, writing beneath a photo of the couple with their kids, “happy father’s day @blakeshelton we all love u sooooo much God really gave me you for the ups and downs.”

The children have directly impacted Shelton’s career decisions, with him explaining, “[When they ask], ‘Why isn’t Blake here?’ I take that stuff to heart. I’ve made plenty of money, but you can’t buy time back. I don’t want any regrets.” Shelton says he enjoys his time most with the family in Oklahoma, away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. “We get away from everything [in L.A.], and we’re just us. It truly does feel different,” he added. “That’s where I feel the most comfortable, happy and safe.”

It’s admirable that Blake Shelton is so invested in caring for children that aren’t biologically his. He’s so invested in raising Stefani’s children that he’s willing to step back from his job to spend more time with them. Shelton and Stefani should be grateful that he’s in a financial position to make this decision. Unfortunately, thousands of parents out there would like to spend more time with their children but have to work.

With Shelton stepping back from his duties, perhaps the family can spend more time in Oklahoma, where they feel the most comfortable and at home.