It’s always heartbreaking to watch an entertainer we admire grow older and face struggles, especially when we’ve followed their journey for years. Even if we’ve never met them personally, their challenges can feel deeply personal to us as fans.
One such entertainer who has faced numerous health and mental health struggles over the years is Elton John. The legendary musician has brought joy to millions for decades, but his life hasn’t been without its share of stress and hardship.
In his upcoming television documentary, *Elton John: Never Too Late*, the singer opens up about his personal life, including his fears about aging and how his children share similar concerns. Elton, a devoted husband and father, has two sons, Zachary and Elijah, with his spouse, David Furnish. He revealed that his children are particularly worried about his advancing age.
"They worry because they know how old I am,” Elton shared. "Not so much about David, but about me. They love their Daddy and want me to be around forever. I don’t know how much time I have left.”
While his words may sound somber, Elton expressed his desire to be there for his children’s milestones. "I want to see them get married and have children, but I don’t think I’ll be around for that. Who knows? You never know,” he added.
At the premiere of his documentary in October 2024, Elton addressed his health struggles with his trademark humor. Reflecting on his many surgeries, he joked, "I don’t have tonsils, adenoids, or an appendix. I don’t have a prostate. I don’t have a right hip, a left knee, or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left is my left hip. But I’m still here.”
This lighthearted comment came after a hip replacement surgery in 2021, following a fall on a hard surface. Later, he faced a severe eye infection that temporarily cost him his vision. On Instagram, he shared, "I’m dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye. I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process, and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.”
Elton’s health struggles date back decades. In 1975, he overdosed on Valium and nearly drowned after falling into a swimming pool. His battles with mental health and addiction were depicted in his biopic *Rocketman*, which highlighted his suicide attempt after a two-week binge. He sought treatment for bulimia and entered rehab in 1990.
Over the years, Elton has faced numerous health crises. In 2008, he canceled shows due to a serious E. coli infection. In 2012, he was hospitalized with a respiratory infection. In 2013, he postponed a tour to have his appendix removed. Then, in 2017, while planning his farewell tour, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite this, he returned to the stage just 10 days later, opting for surgery over chemotherapy.
Further health issues, including an ear infection and a hip injury, led to the postponement of his *Farewell Yellow Brick Road* tour dates from 2021 through 2023. Despite these challenges, Elton remains resilient. "I’ve survived a lot of things,” he said. "Life is full of pitfalls, even when you’re sober. I can deal with them now because I don’t have to run away and hide.”
Elton also shared what he hopes will be inscribed on his gravestone: five simple words that reflect his deepest pride: "He was a great dad.” Through it all, Elton John’s enduring spirit and love for his family continue to inspire fans around the world.
