Elton John, the flamboyant icon of rock and roll, might seem like an unlikely candidate for fatherhood, especially if you consider his wild days of the 70s and 80s. As he humorously recounts in his autobiography, Me, the idea of finding profound joy in diaper changes would have been met with sheer disbelief, perhaps even crockery hurled across the room! Yet, the Rocket Man eventually embraced fatherhood, revealing a deeply fulfilling dimension to his life. This article delves into Elton John’s journey to becoming a dad and introduces you to Elton John’s children, Zachary and Elijah.
Becoming a Father in His 60s: A New Chapter for Elton John
At 63, an age when many contemplate retirement, Elton John embarked on the adventure of parenthood. He and his husband, David Furnish, welcomed their two sons, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John, into their lives. Both Elton John’s children were conceived using the same donor eggs and a surrogate mother, creating a unique and loving family structure. This decision highlights Elton and David’s commitment to building their family and their openness to modern family creation methods.
Alt text: Elton John and David Furnish pictured with their sons Zachary and Elijah, showcasing a loving family moment.
The Names and Inspiration Behind Elton John’s Sons
Born on Christmas Day 2010, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John was the first to join the family. His name carries a special significance. While many might assume “Levon” is a nod to Elton’s famous song, it’s actually a tribute to Lev, a Ukrainian boy who profoundly impacted Elton’s path to fatherhood. Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John followed in 2013, completing their family. The names chosen for Elton John’s children reflect both personal meaning and a connection to significant moments in Elton’s life.
From Rock Star to Dad: Elton John’s Paternal Awakening
Elton John’s journey to fatherhood wasn’t a lifelong ambition but rather a gradual awakening. He pinpoints a pivotal moment during a 2009 visit to a Soweto drop-in center for children orphaned and living with HIV. There, he met a young boy named Noosa, who, despite being withdrawn, connected with Elton. This encounter sparked “a flicker of something more” within him, a feeling beyond pity or fondness, hinting at paternal instincts.
Alt text: Elton John is shown engaging with children during a charity event, demonstrating his caring nature and foreshadowing his journey to fatherhood.
Later that year, a visit to a Ukrainian orphanage and meeting a boy named Lev further solidified his desire to become a father. Although adopting Lev wasn’t possible, Lev’s impact was undeniable. Elton’s commitment extended to helping Lev and his brother, working with a charity to support them and later evacuate them from Ukraine during the Russian invasion. Zachary’s middle name, Levon, serves as a lasting tribute to this young boy who played a crucial role in Elton John’s children coming into existence.
Parenting Style: Embracing Tantrums and the Joys of Fatherhood
Elton John’s past rock’n’roll lifestyle has uniquely prepared him for the rollercoaster of parenting. He confesses to finding even toddler tantrums “weirdly charming,” a stark contrast to his own legendary episodes. This perspective highlights a father who is grounded and unfazed by the typical challenges of raising young children. Becoming a father has brought immense fulfillment to Elton’s life, a deeper sense of purpose that he perhaps hadn’t anticipated during his earlier, more tumultuous years. Elton John’s children have undoubtedly enriched his life beyond measure, adding a heartwarming chapter to the iconic Rocket Man’s story.
In conclusion, Elton John’s journey to fatherhood is a testament to the transformative power of family. From initial surprise at his own paternal instincts to embracing the joys and challenges of raising Zachary and Elijah, Elton John has shown a different side of himself, a loving and devoted father. Elton John’s children are not just an addition to his life but a central part of his heart, proving that even the most unlikely candidates can discover the profound fulfillment of parenthood.
