Elton John is globally recognized for his iconic music and flamboyant stage presence, but beyond the spotlight, he cherishes a deeply fulfilling personal life with his husband, David Furnish, and their two sons. This is their story.
How Elton John and David Furnish First Met
In 1993, at a time when Elton John was embarking on a journey of sobriety and personal rediscovery, a simple dinner party at his home set the stage for a life-changing encounter. Seeking new connections, Elton asked a friend to bring new people together. Among them was David Furnish. Initially hesitant, Furnish admitted to anticipating a dull evening, but the reality was far from it. Elton has described their connection as immediate and magnetic.
“I was immediately drawn to David,” Elton recounted. “He was remarkably well-dressed and possessed a charming shyness. We had dinner the very next evening, and our relationship quickly became intimate. We fell in love almost instantly.” This marked the beginning of a relationship that would blossom into a lasting partnership.
Who is David Furnish?
David Furnish, born in Toronto, Canada in 1962, is 15 years Elton John’s junior. Growing up, David navigated societal expectations around sexuality, which he later described as a significant factor in his move to London. He initially pursued a career in advertising, joining Ogilvy & Mather as an advertising executive. It was only after he began his relationship with Elton, a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, that David felt empowered to openly embrace his identity with his family.
Reflecting on his past, David shared, “I left Canada and my family because of shame; I felt like I was running away.” He elaborated on the internal conflict, “I had a wonderfully positive upbringing in a loving household, and I strived to emulate that ideal. However, I found myself unable to. There were failed relationships, unhappiness, shame, and a poor self-image. I needed to escape.” Prior to David, Elton had been in several well-publicized relationships with women, including his marriage to Renate Blauel from 1984 to 1988 and a prior engagement to Linda Hannon in 1970.
From Civil Partnership to Marriage
Elton John and David Furnish formalized their commitment with a civil partnership in 2005. When same-sex marriage became legal in the UK, they celebrated again with a wedding ceremony on December 21, 2014. Elton emphasized the significance of this milestone, noting, “Our civil partnership was a monumental step for those who had fought for LGBTQ+ rights for decades, through times when being gay was criminalized and deeply stigmatized.”
He further explained their decision to marry: “This legal progress is cause for immense joy and celebration. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge civil partnerships; we must embrace the opportunity to marry.” Their wedding was a grand affair attended by celebrity friends including David and Victoria Beckham, David Walliams, Ed Sheeran, Hugh Grant, and Gary Barlow. The reception featured elegant decor with dark red roses and a gourmet dinner.
Approaching three decades together, Elton and David maintain a strong romantic connection. They commemorate the Saturday they first met as their anniversary, and every Saturday, they exchange love letters, a testament to their enduring affection.
Elton and David as Fathers
Elton and David are devoted fathers to two sons, Zachary, born in 2010, and Elijah, born in 2013. Both boys were born via the same surrogate. Elton, known for his extravagant lifestyle, often speaks about how his children have brought unparalleled joy to his life.
“Before children, our focus was on material possessions because we lacked other meaningful priorities,” Elton explained. “I’ve come to realize that the simplest moments with my sons are more valuable than any possession. No painting, photograph, house, or hit record can compare.”
Announcing Zachary’s birth, the couple shared, “We are overcome with happiness and joy at this incredibly special moment. Zachary is healthy and thriving, and we are immensely proud and happy parents.” The arrival of Elijah two years later further enriched their family. Elton told Hello! Magazine, “Elijah completes our family perfectly. A parent’s capacity for love is truly limitless. With each child, our love deepens and expands, making it an incredibly emotional experience.”
Their sons call Elton ‘Daddy’ and David ‘Papa’. Despite their privileged background, Elton and David are committed to instilling strong values in their children, particularly regarding money and responsibility.
“They receive £3 pocket money weekly, divided into charity, savings, and spending. They earn it through chores, like helping in the kitchen or garden,” Elton revealed. “They are learning the importance of effort and earning.” Despite Elton’s global fame, they strive to provide their children with a normal upbringing.
“They live a very ordinary life in Old Windsor, playing with friends locally, far removed from a showbiz environment,” Elton added. “They aren’t confined to a mansion. On Saturdays, when I’m home, we enjoy simple family outings like Pizza Hut, bookstores, and the cinema. I’ve always been present and involved, even doing the school run.”
Reflecting on his journey, Elton acknowledges the profound impact David and their children have had on his life.
“If you had told me years ago that I would be married to the man I love and have two incredible children, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Elton shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “Life presents unexpected turns, and these children have come into our lives at a time I never imagined possible. They are the greatest gift. Words cannot express our love for them. They are simply amazing.”
