Elton John’s remarkable legacy spans nearly 60 years, but reports suggest that the 77-year-old icon is now grappling with significant health challenges. Insiders reveal he “can barely move without assistance” but remains resolute in preserving his “larger-than-life image.”
Keep reading to uncover how Elton is working to keep his declining health under wraps.
A History of Close Calls
Over the years, Elton John has faced numerous health scares. In 2013, he came dangerously close to death due to appendicitis.
“I was like a ticking time bomb,” Elton admitted, noting how perilously close he was to a fatal outcome. As one of the elite few to have achieved EGOT status, his words carried a chilling weight.
In 2017, the star faced yet another life-threatening ordeal following treatment for prostate cancer. Reflecting on that time, he confessed, “I didn’t realize how near death I was.” The five-time Grammy winner added, “I kept praying, ‘Please let me recover. I need to be here for my kids.’”
More recently, the “Nikita” singer opened up about recovering after suffering from vision loss.
A Rare Appearance at TIFF
Elton and his husband, 61-year-old David Furnish, made a rare public appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6. They attended the premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late, marking Elton’s first outing since losing partial vision.
The film documents Elton’s illustrious career, from his iconic Madison Square Garden performance in 1974 to his farewell concert at Dodger Stadium in 2022. It also gives audiences an intimate glimpse into his personal life with Furnish, whom he met in 1993 and married in 2014. The couple shares two sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, both born via surrogate.
Contemplating Mortality
Despite his legendary status, Elton is acutely aware of his mortality. He revealed that his sons worry about losing him.
“They think about my death,” Elton said of Zachary and Elijah. “They’re afraid I won’t be here much longer.”
While Elton noted that Furnish doesn’t dwell on this fear, he acknowledged the deep bond he shares with their children. “The boys love their dad. They want me to be here forever, and honestly, I want that too,” he admitted.
“Strong as an Ox”
Furnish, however, believes Elton’s resilience is unmatched. Recalling scenes from the documentary that addressed Elton’s health, Furnish said they caused the singer “a lot of anxiety.”
“I don’t think it’s something you should discuss with your kids,” he said. “Elton has endured so much, but he’s incredibly strong—like an ox. He rarely cancels shows, and his ability to recover is extraordinary. Honestly, I think he’ll outlive me.”
After nearly three decades together, Furnish described this phase of their life as “the moment we’ve always dreamed of.”
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Despite his strength, rumors persist that Elton’s health is deteriorating. Sources suggest he is doing everything in his power to conceal his struggles.
A family insider revealed that the custom purple golf cart Elton used on the TIFF red carpet was a clever way to hide his reliance on a wheelchair.
“Elton doesn’t want to appear weak,” the source explained. “He’s determined to maintain the image people have of him, but the truth is, he needs assistance to move around. Sometimes, he’s unsure of his surroundings.”
The source continued, “The golf cart was a practical solution to keep the reality hidden from the cameras. At this point, Elton is focused on securing his legacy. He wants to define his own story as an artist, husband, and father before anyone else does.”
A Legacy to Cherish
Elton John: Never Too Late will be available to stream on Disney+ starting December 13, 2024.
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