The iconic British singer, whose career has lasted over five decades, has captivated the globe with his remarkable skill, vivid personality, and timeless songs.
From his early 1970s breakthrough with classics like ‘Your Song’ and ‘Rocket Man,’ to his ongoing impact on the music business, his incredible career has been packed with chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and countless honors.
Beyond his music, the singer has strongly supported LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, solidifying his reputation as both a humanitarian and an artist.
However, recent reports regarding Elton John’s health have caused alarm among his ardent admirers.
The artist started by publicly addressing his children’s concerns about his health for the first time, revealing their increasing knowledge of his age as he considered his life after retiring from touring.
During an exclusive showing of his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late at the London Film Festival on October 10, the 77-year-old artist discussed his ideas on mortality, according to Sky News.
The film, directed by RJ Cutler and Elton’s spouse David Furnish, provides a behind-the-scenes look at Elton John’s career and personal life, featuring previously unseen material.
The documentary includes open chats between Elton and his longstanding colleagues, including Bernie Taupin, as well as exchanges with celebrities like Dua Lipa and John Lennon.
Furthermore, the video follows Elton’s travels leading up to his farewell show in North America, which was performed at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Elton’s boys, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, whom he shares with Furnish, have expressed worry over their father’s health.
Elton reveals: “They worry about my mortality because they know how old I am. Not so much David, but me—they love their Daddy, so they want me to be around forever.”
While Elton wants to see his children grow up, marry, and have families, he expresses his concern that he will not be there for those events, motivating him to concentrate on making the most of the time he has.
In a recent interview with Attitude magazine, Elton discussed how his boys have impacted his life, stating, “Having the children changed everything for the better because now it’s all about them. It’s all about their welfare and their future.”
He defined this moment of his life as ‘the most wonderful time,’ emphasizing that his children are his biggest motivation.
In the documentary, the singer expresses his fears, asking, “I wonder what is going to happen to all of this stuff when I finish? This is the latter time of my life. I don’t know how much time I have left.”
He acknowledges that as he grows older, he thinks about life and death more often.
“You think, ‘Well, I just want to be where I want to be now,'” he says, referring to his intentions to slow down following his final tour.
Although he no longer has to tour, Elton plans to continue working on other projects, such as creating music and producing radio programs.
Reflecting on his life on the road, he says, “It is very tiring. I am used to it and I am a veteran at it… but this is where you start to think about mortality.”
According to Page Six, Elton expressed concern about his worsening health during another exam on October 1.
“To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left,” Elton said. “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids, or an appendix. I don’t have a prostate. I don’t have a right hip a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip.”
Despite these obstacles, he told his audience: “But I’m still here. And I can’t thank you [enough]; you’re the people that made me.”
Elton reflected on his retirement and how it has given him delight, claiming he had ‘never felt bliss’ like he does today.
“As you know, I decided to stop touring because I’m 77 years of age. I’ve done all there is to do, to play. I’ve succeeded, I’ve been there and I’ve done it,” he explained.
“I’ve still got to make room because I’m still going to have music in my life.”
“But the most important things in my life are David, Zachary, and Elijah and my family and my friends. I found utopia, and I’m so thrilled.”
Recently, Elton John revealed on Instagram that he is suffering from a severe eye illness’ that has restricted his eyesight.
“Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye. I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye,” Elton wrote in a statement.
“I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks.”
“I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far.”
Elton John: Never Too Late will launch on Disney+ on December 13.
The film, directed by David Furnish and JR Cutler, features never-before-seen footage of the star’s 50-year concert career, as well as intimate journal entries and current-day moments with his family.