The question “Did Elton John Die?” reflects a common concern for the legendary musician. While thankfully, the answer is a resounding no, it’s crucial to understand the health challenges Elton John has faced, which might fuel such worries. This article delves into Elton John’s serious health scare in 2017, revealing how close he came to death and the life-altering impact it had on him.
In 2017, at the age of 70, Elton John received a prostate cancer diagnosis. Faced with the daunting prospect of chemotherapy, he opted for surgery, a decision driven by his desire to minimize disruption for his young family. He and his husband, David Furnish, were parents to Zachary and Elijah, then just six and four years old. Elton didn’t want the shadow of cancer “hanging over” their lives for an extended period.
His surgery in Los Angeles was initially declared a success. However, just ten days later, while in Las Vegas for a performance at Caesars’ Palace, Elton experienced alarming symptoms. He recounted in his memoir, “Me,” that he felt something was “not right.” The pain intensified throughout the day, leading to an embarrassing and uncomfortable situation on stage. He humorously described performing “Candle In The Wind” while “literally p***ing himself,” due to the post-operative complications.
His condition rapidly deteriorated, and Elton was urgently hospitalized. It was during this hospitalization that the severity of the situation became terrifyingly clear. Doctors discovered a rare complication from his prostatectomy. Alone in the hospital, facing the real possibility of death, Elton John admitted to praying for his life. “In the hospital, alone at the dead of night, I’d prayed: please don’t let me die, please let me see my kids again, please give me a little longer,” he wrote, revealing the depth of his fear and his profound desire to live for his family. He was, in his own words, just “24 hours from death.”
Fortunately, Elton John pulled through this critical period and made a full recovery. This near-death experience profoundly changed his perspective on life and his career. Currently on his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, Elton has spoken about how his health scare served as a turning point. The recovery period provided him with a new appreciation for a slower pace of life and the joys of family.
He realized that while music remained a vital part of his life, it didn’t outweigh the simple pleasures of family life, like hearing his son Zachary excitedly talk about his day. This realization was a significant factor in his decision to retire from touring, allowing him to prioritize his health and spend more time with his loved ones.
Elton John’s journey through prostate cancer and his subsequent near-death experience is a powerful reminder of his resilience. While the question “did Elton John die?” may arise from concerns about his well-being, the reality is that he survived a serious health crisis and emerged with a renewed appreciation for life, family, and his enduring musical legacy. He continues to perform and inspire millions, proving that he is very much alive and still the Rocket Man we know and love.
