Sir Elton John, the iconic musician, recently shared a deeply personal moment on The Graham Norton Show, becoming emotional as he discussed his own mortality. This candid revelation came as he spoke about a lyric from a song crafted with his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin.
“And then I get to the chorus, and I find it’s about my death, my demise,” Elton John confessed. Reflecting on his age, he continued, “And as a 76-year-old man, which I was at that time, and having children and having a husband, mortality, and you think about, ‘How long have I got? How long? I hope I’ve got much longer than maybe I’ve got [left].'”
This poignant reflection on life’s finite nature emerged as he described the impact of the song’s lyrics. “And so by the time I got to the chorus and suddenly realised that I started singing it (and) I lost it for 45 minutes. It was a very, very heavy moment for me. After 45 minutes of being consoled, I was okay, but I recorded the next day…when you’re singing about being washed out to sea and the end of your life, it took me by surprise.”
This honest admission about confronting his mortality arrives shortly after he disclosed challenges with his eyesight while performing, according to reports from the Express.
Elton John emotionally addresses mortality concerns alongside husband David Furnish on stage
At 77 years old, Elton John’s reflections on mortality are underscored by his ongoing health journey. While attending the West End production of “The Devil Wears Prada” musical, for which he composed the music, he admitted to the audience, “As some of you may know I have had issues and now I have lost my sight. I haven’t been able to see the performance but I have enjoyed it.” He expressed gratitude to his husband, David Furnish, acknowledging him as “my rock because I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews… it’s hard for me to see it but I love to hear it and it sounded good tonight OK.”
Last October, in a social media update, Elton John offered a candid overview of his health, lightheartedly stating, “To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left. I don’t have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don’t have a prostate. I don’t have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip. But I’m still here.” This statement, while delivered with humor, touches upon the numerous health challenges he has navigated throughout his life.
Elton John’s Decades-Long Health Battles
Elton John’s journey with health issues is extensive and spans several decades. His openness about these struggles provides insight into the realities of aging and maintaining a demanding career in the spotlight.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
In 2017, Elton John received a prostate cancer diagnosis. Prioritizing his family and long-term health, he opted for surgery rather than chemotherapy to address the cancer. While the surgery was initially deemed successful, a serious infection soon followed, bringing him close to death.
Intimate portrait of Elton John and David Furnish reflecting on health challenges in Paris
In his autobiography, “Me,” he detailed this harrowing period, recounting spending 11 days in the hospital and confronting his mortality in a profound way. He shared his desperate prayers during those dark nights: “please don’t let me die, please let me see my kids again, please give me a little longer.”
Vision Impairment and Eye Infection
Beyond cancer, eyesight problems have also been a significant health concern for Elton John. He has spoken about experiencing blindness due to a severe eye infection contracted during a holiday in the South of France.
Elton John passionately singing, addressing his health concerns with fans on Instagram
In a message to his nearly 5 million Instagram followers last September, he explained, “Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.” He reassured fans of his recovery, adding, “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.” He expressed gratitude for his medical team and family’s support during his recuperation.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Elton John has also been managing Type 2 diabetes since his diagnosis in 2000. This condition necessitated significant dietary changes to regulate his blood sugar levels. He recently mentioned that it had been “a long time” since he indulged in sugary treats.
Elton John at the Golden Globe Awards, discussing diet changes due to diabetes management
On the Table 4 podcast, he discussed his dietary adjustments, stating, “I can have an apple, I can eat a bit of melon. As long as you’re sensible about it, it doesn’t shoot your blood sugar up. But what I crave is chocolate and ice cream, I can’t have any ice cream.” He even joked that his ‘death row’ meal would consist of all the sugary foods he currently avoids.
Appendicitis and Emergency Surgery
In 2013, Elton John’s battle with appendicitis led to the cancellation of his summer tour. Despite performing through his illness, he ultimately required surgery to remove his appendix in July of that year. A representative emphasized his commitment to fans, stating, “To know that he made such superhuman efforts and continued to perform to thousands through his illness only confirms his dedication to his European fans.”
Elton John at Breast Cancer Research event, reflecting on past health challenges and tour postponements
Hip Surgery and Tour Delays
More recently, a fall in 2021 necessitated hip surgery for Elton John. The injury caused “considerable pain and discomfort,” leading to postponements of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. He explained that “despite intensive physio and specialist treatment, the pain has continued to get worse and is leading to increasing difficulties moving.” The surgery was essential to ensure his long-term mobility and allow him to resume his farewell tour, which he successfully did in 2023 after pandemic-related delays.
Elton John’s willingness to speak openly about his health struggles, including his recent reflections on mortality, provides a powerful and relatable narrative. His resilience in the face of these challenges, combined with his continued dedication to his music and fans, solidifies his legendary status beyond his artistic achievements.
