Sir Elton John has expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from fellow musicians, particularly Sir Paul McCartney, during his recent health challenges. The 78-year-old singer experienced a severe eye infection in the summer of 2024 while in France, which resulted in blindness in his right eye. In a recent interview with Variety, Elton shared that McCartney frequently reaches out via FaceTime to check on his well-being, describing the gesture as “really beautiful.”
In his conversation with Variety, Elton highlighted the significance of support from friends in the music industry. “The love I’ve received from him and from Pete Townshend and Mick Jagger and people like that have been amazing,” he said. He recounted receiving an email from Keith Richards, which simply stated, “Hello, darling, how you doing? You know we love you,” adding that such messages “just make my day.”
Life After Retirement
Elton John officially retired from touring in 2023, a decision he made to prioritize family life. He announced his plans to step back from the road in 2018, stating his intention to conclude his career with a “big tour” and spend more time with his children. He and his husband, David Furnish, share two sons: Zachary, aged 14, and Elijah, aged 12.
Reflecting on his decision, Elton noted, “We had taken them around everywhere when they were little because they were very portable. But then they weren’t so portable, and we had to have a big discussion about what I wanted to do with my life, the children, and my career.” His focus has shifted towards family, and he intends to “spend the rest of [his] life” with them.
Despite his retirement from touring, Elton remains active in music. He recently performed at the Singapore Grand Prix, sharing that he still enjoys the thrill of live performances. “I’ve still been able to play. I’m still singing,” he remarked, demonstrating his enduring passion for music even in the face of personal challenges.
Elton’s ongoing connection with his friends in the industry highlights the importance of camaraderie and support during difficult times. With the backing of renowned musicians like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, Elton John continues to navigate his health struggles while maintaining his love for music and family.
