Elton John recently expressed heartfelt gratitude for his life and family, despite a series of health challenges, at the New York Film Festival premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late on October 1. Joined by his husband, David Furnish, the legendary musician delivered an emotional speech about his journey through various medical setbacks.
“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,” Elton candidly shared during his speech. He went on to detail further physical challenges, stating, “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 health issues, Elton’s speech was filled with gratitude and appreciation for his family. “I can’t thank you [enough], you’re the people that made me. I want to thank David and Zachary and Elijah for making me the happiest man in the world,” he said, referencing his husband and their two sons.
Elton continued to gush about the profound joy his family brings him, saying, “I found complete and utter happiness and bliss when I met David and when I had my children, our children. And it satisfied me so much. I’ve never felt happiness like I have now.”
Reflecting on his decision to step away from touring, Elton, who is now 77, explained, “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.”
Although he is stepping back from the stage, Elton reassured fans that music would remain a part of his life. “I’ve still got to make room because I’m still going to have music in my life,” he said. However, he emphasized that his family now takes center stage, adding, “But the most important things in my life are David, Zachary, and Elijah, and my family and my friends. I found utopia and I’m so thrilled.”
Through his health challenges and triumphs, Elton John’s deep love for his family shines through, making him, in his own words, “the happiest man in the world.”
