Elton John recently shared the emotional words he hopes will be on his gravestone, admitting he’s reflecting on his mortality.
The 77-year-old music legend opened up about his health and future in an interview ahead of the release of his new documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late. The film looks back at his iconic career and personal life.
In recent years, Elton has faced several health challenges. He has undergone surgeries to replace both knees and one hip. A fall in 2021 led to a delay in his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour so he could have further treatment.
Talking about his health, Elton said: “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids, an appendix, or a prostate. I’ve lost my right hip, left knee, and right knee. All I have left is my left hip. But I’m still here, thanks to you – my fans.”
After finishing his farewell tour last year, Elton decided to step back from touring. He explained: “I don’t need to work anymore. I’ll still make music and do radio shows, but touring is exhausting. It’s time to think about mortality.”
In an interview with Time magazine, Elton shared the gravestone message he wants: “All I want it to say is, ‘He was a great dad.’”
Elton and his husband, David Furnish, are parents to Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11. In the documentary, Elton spoke about wanting to witness his children’s weddings but admitted he doubts he will live to see that day.
“I want to see my kids get married, but I don’t think I’ll be around,” he said.
This deeply moved David, who described his feelings about imagining life without Elton. “That really upset me,” David said. “It’s hard to think about. Elton is so full of life that it’s easy to believe he’ll live forever. But it makes you confront reality.”
Elton John remains a symbol of resilience and love for his family as he steps into this reflective chapter of his life.
