Elton John, the legendary musician, has recently opened up about his family’s concerns regarding his health. In a new documentary, the 77-year-old star reveals that his young sons are worried about his mortality. This revelation comes as John transitions from his illustrious music career to focus on family life.
Farewell to the stage, hello to family time
After more than 50 years in show business, Elton John bid farewell to his fans during the final concert of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” last summer. The 77-year-old musician expressed gratitude for his “wonderful career” and has since ruled out any comeback, as he recently clarified in an interview.
The primary reason for his retirement is his desire to devote himself fully to family life with husband David Furnish and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah. In his new documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, John reveals that his 11 and 13-year-old children are particularly concerned about the limited time they may have left with their father.
Children’s concerns and John’s reflections
“They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality,” John discloses in the documentary. The boys, born via surrogate and raised by John and Furnish, “want me to be there forever,” the singer explains. John himself expresses a desire to witness significant milestones in his children’s lives, saying, “I want to see them have children and get married. But I don’t think I’ll be around for that.”
Emphasizing the importance of family, John states, “Shared time is so wonderful and so valuable.” This sentiment has driven his decision to step back from his professional life. He reflects, “Having a number one album is really nice for five minutes, but family is for a lifetime.” The musician adds that he’d prefer his gravestone to read that he was “a great father and husband” rather than highlighting his record sales.
Health challenges and current struggles
In recent years, Elton John has faced various health issues. Following a fall, he underwent surgery and battled hip problems and severe pain. Currently, the 77-year-old is dealing with a serious infection that is affecting his vision. During the documentary premiere, he remarked, “I’m having the best time of my life – except for this damn eye. I wish I could see you all.”
These health challenges, combined with his children’s concerns, have clearly influenced John’s decision to prioritize family time in this new chapter of his life.
