Advertisement
Elton John has opened up about how his health condition has affected his life, particularly his role as a father to his two sons. In a candid interview with The Times, the legendary musician revealed that his severe eye condition has significantly impacted his ability to see, causing him stress as he navigates life as a parent. “I can’t read. I can’t see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time,” he admitted. For a father who takes in everything around him, this loss of vision has been emotionally challenging, adding to his distress.
John, who shares sons Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, with his husband David Furnish, has found this period particularly tough but still remains grateful. Despite the difficulties, he reminded himself of the positives: “I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here.”
Though his eyesight has been deteriorating, the music icon hasn’t let it stop him from continuing his career. He recently released a new album, Who Believes in Angels?, with Brandi Carlile. “You say to yourself, just get on with it,” John remarked about the album’s title, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.
Elton first shared his struggles with his eyesight on Instagram last year, explaining that the condition developed after he contracted an infection while spending summers in France. He mentioned that during the worst of it, he couldn’t see or watch anything, and his left eye had been in poor condition. However, he’s working hard to improve his vision and remain positive.
In his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, the singer revealed a heart-wrenching moment when his sons expressed their fears about his mortality. “They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality,” he said, adding an emotional layer to his experience. His husband, David Furnish, admitted that hearing his children’s concerns was difficult, and watching the scene in the documentary gave him anxiety. “I don’t want to plant that seed in their mind,” Furnish shared with People magazine, highlighting the delicate balance of supporting Elton through his health challenges while protecting their children from distress.
Elton John’s journey as both a father and an artist continues to be shaped by his health challenges, but his resilience and love for his family remain unwavering.