Last night, at The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical premiere, Sir Elton John shared the devastating news that he has lost his eyesight. He had his husband, David Furnish, right there with him, helping him around the event. He said that earlier this year, he has developed a serious infection and can no longer see with his right eye. Now it’s impossible for him to read, write, or even watch TV.
Elton revealed that he hasn’t been able to see for months
Because of this nasty infection, Elton hasn’t been able to see with his right eye for four months now, and his “left eye is not the greatest” either. “I lost my sight in my right eye during the summer because I had an infection when I was in the South of France,” he said in an interview with ABC News.
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Unfortunately, the infection left him with very limited vision and has deeply impacted his day-to-day activities and creative work. And while recovery has been slow, Elton’s says there’s still hope for improvement.
His husband has been his rock throughout this ordeal
Elton’s husband, David Furnish, has been there through it all. The couple got together in 2005, then got married in 2014 when same-sex marriage became legal in the UK. They have two kids together, Zachary and Elijah, via surrogacy. Elton deeply appreciates David’s unwavering support through it all, especially during this difficult time.
Losing his eyesight has deeply impacted his ability to make music
Since he cannot see any lyrics or musical notes, it’s been really hard for Elton to work as he usually does. “Because I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.”
But despite everything, Sir Elton tries to look to the bright side. In an emotional moment, he said, “I can’t see the performance, but I have enjoyed it.”
Elton still showed grace and joy at the red carpet event
Despite previously struggling to walk the red carpet at another event after his knee replacement surgery earlier this year, Elton seemed to be enjoying himself as he posed for photos at the musical launch in London on Sunday. Showing off his impressive weight loss, he looked elegant in a tailored black suit, a red floral shirt, and glittery red sneakers. He still had that famous charm and joy about him — a real legend!
He has been recuperating at home and is feeling optimistic
In an Instagram statement, he expressed immense gratitude for the exceptional care provided by his team of doctors and nurses and acknowledged the unwavering support of his family during this difficult time.
Elton’s health struggles go beyond his eyesight
Besides his current eyesight issues, Elton has also faced a multitude of other health problems. He joked that there’s “not much of me left,” referring to the multiple surgeries he has undergone over the years, including knee and hip replacements. He was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and has been living with a pacemaker since the 1990s.
Elton plans to dedicate more time to his family
During his tour across the U.S., Sir Elton shared a heartfelt moment reported by Radio Times, where he was seen apart from his family. He revealed he’s planning to step away from touring to “dedicate more time to raising my children.”
Reflecting further on his health, he admitted: “I want to see our children get married, but I don’t think I’m going to be around for that.”
Despite his struggles, Elton is still focusing on his work
Speaking to ABC News about his new documentary Never Too Late, Elton admitted he wasn’t sure about his ability to record any new music, as he puts all his focus on his health. But while his vision issues have temporarily hindered his ability to work on new projects, Elton remains hopeful about future endeavors.
Elton thanks fans for their unwavering support during his journey
Despite his health struggles, Elton expressed profound gratitude to his fans, telling them, “But I’m still here. And I can’t thank you enough; you’re the people that made me.” His words reflected the bond he has with his audience.
Elton reflects on mortality and legacy in his documentary
In his documentary Never Too Late, Elton opened up about the reality of aging and confronting mortality. He confessed that the physical toll of constant touring has made him rethink his legacy and focus more on the present and his family’s future.
He shared: “It’s the latter time of my life. I don’t know how much time I have left… you think about that more when you get to my age. You think about life and death. You think, ‘Well, I just want to be where I want to be now.'”
