Music legend Elton John has had to cope with a number of serious health setbacks in recent years - from operations to the almost complete loss of sight in one eye. Nevertheless, the 78-year-old remains fierce and is looking to the future.
His husband, film producer David Furnish (63), now describes how the "Rocket Man" singer is currently doing and what role family life plays for him. Shortly before his AIDS foundation's big Oscar viewing party, Furnish talks about every day life that is characterized by healing processes, new routines, and lots of time with their sons.
Elton John's vision loss after infection in southern France
In July 2024, Elton John contracted a serious infection in the south of France, the consequences of which massively changed his life. As a result, he almost completely lost sight in his right eye, and his left eye is also impaired.
"Because I lost my right eye and my left eye’s not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven’t been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything," the singer explained in an interview with Variety.
The EGOT prizewinner's everyday life was severely restricted as a result, and many habits had to be reorganized.
David Furnish describes the 78-year-old's progress
Now David Furnish paints a cautiously optimistic picture of Elton John's current state. "He’s great. He’s battling on. He’s keeping busy and moving forward," Furnish said, according to 'Variety'. The musician particularly enjoys the quieter days at home, far away from the big arenas where he has performed for decades.
Even though the health restrictions remain, Elton John continues to work on projects, receive medical support, and try to bring more normality to his everyday life step by step. The focus is clearly on quality of life rather than new tour records.
Family life with Zachary and Elijah at the center
According to Furnish, a key reason for Elton John's withdrawal from the big touring stages is family life. Spending time together with his sons Zachary (15) and Elijah (13) is his top priority. The family spends as much time as possible together at home, with shared rituals and a structured daily routine giving the 78-year-old a sense of stability.
John and Furnish have been a couple for over 30 years; they entered into a registered partnership in the UK in 2005, followed by their wedding in 2014 after marriage was opened up to same-sex couples by law. For Elton John, this stable private environment is more important than ever in the current phase.
Operations, a fall and the AIDS Foundation's Oscar party
Elton John has spoken openly about his numerous physical ailments in the past. At the premiere of his documentary "Never Too Late", he joked that he has "not much left", and listed that he is missing tonsils, appendix, prostate, both knees and his right hip. Added to this are the consequences of a serious fall in 2021, which led to the postponement of his farewell tour and still requires intensive physiotherapy today.
While the musician is taking it easy physically, the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation continues: numerous stars are expected at the upcoming "Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party" in Los Angeles to raise millions for the fight against AIDS.
