Elton John delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech at the New York Film Festival on October 1, during the premiere of his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late. Surrounded by his husband David Furnish and co-director R.J. Cutler, the 77-year-old music icon opened up about his health struggles, the joy his family has brought him, and the legacy of his decades-long career.
During his speech, John candidly reflected on the various health issues he has faced throughout the years. “To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left,” John shared, as he detailed the numerous surgeries he has undergone. “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.”
Despite these challenges, John expressed deep gratitude for his fans and family, crediting them with giving him strength during difficult times. “I can’t thank you [enough], you’re the people that made me,” he said, while also paying tribute to Furnish and their two sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11. “I want to thank David and Zachary and Elijah for making me the happiest man in the world.”
John and Furnish, who have been together for over two decades, entered a civil partnership in December 2005 and legally married in 2014 when same-sex marriage became legal in the U.K. Their sons, born via surrogate in 2010 and 2013, have brought John a profound sense of fulfillment. “I found complete and utter happiness and bliss when I met David and when I had our children. And it satisfied me so much. I’ve never felt happiness like I have now,” John said at the event.
Reflecting on his decision to retire from touring, John explained that after decades on the road, the time felt right to focus on family. He played his final Farewell Yellow Brick Road show in Stockholm in July 2023, marking the end of an era. “As you know, I decided to stop touring because I’m 77 years of age, I’ve done all there is to do, to play. I’ve succeeded. I’ve been there and I’ve done it,” he said. Although stepping away from the stage, John assured fans that music will still be a part of his life. “The most important thing in my life are David, Zachary, and Elijah, and my family and friends. I found utopia, and I’m so thrilled.”
John’s health battles have been public in recent years, most recently revealing on Instagram that he has “limited vision” in one of his eyes following a severe infection. In August 2023, his representatives confirmed he was in “good health” after he suffered a minor slip at his villa in Nice, France. In 2021, he also postponed the remaining dates of his tour after a fall that required hip surgery. Despite these setbacks, John’s resilience has been unwavering, continuing to perform and inspire millions.
The music legend also paid tribute to the power of music, which has been his constant source of strength throughout his life. “Even when I was in my darkest times, I still played music, I still recorded music, so I have to say thank you to music for being the most incredible inspiration to me throughout my whole life,” John remarked, acknowledging how music got him through both the good and bad times.
The New York premiere comes after Elton John: Never Too Late made its world debut in September at the Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary offers an intimate look into John’s extraordinary life and career, showcasing his journey from a shy piano player to one of the most celebrated artists in music history. The documentary will have a limited theatrical run in the U.S. and U.K. starting November 15, before premiering globally on Disney+ on December 13.
As Elton John looks back on his legendary career and forward to a future centered on family and friends, his legacy continues to grow—powered by the music that has defined his life and the love that has brought him happiness.
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