At 77, Elton John is still full of humour despite his long history of health struggles. During the New York premiere of his documentary Never Too Late, Elton surprised the audience by listing the numerous organs and joints he had removed over the years. “To be honest, there’s not much of me left,” he quipped, referencing his tonsils, adenoids, appendix, prostate, both knees, and his right hip, leaving only his left hip intact. These surgeries have been part of a lifelong journey for the Rocket Man, who recently underwent a knee replacement and battled a severe eye infection.
Despite these health challenges, Elton remains resilient. His heartfelt speech reflected a deep appreciation for his family, particularly his husband David Furnish and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah. Elton credited them with bringing him unparalleled joy, stating, “I’ve never felt happiness like I have now”.
This sentiment comes after his official retirement from touring, following his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour’s final show in July 2023.
The Never Too Late documentary, set to stream on Disney+ in December, provides a closer look into Elton’s personal and professional life, covering not just his farewell tour but also his reflections on family and his enduring connection to music. Elton admitted that even in his darkest times, music remained a vital source of inspiration and joy, keeping him going through the years.
Though he’s stepped away from performing live, Elton emphasised that music remains a central part of his life. The documentary chronicles his decades-long career and showcases rare behind-the-scenes footage, allowing fans to see how the star has navigated personal struggles alongside professional triumphs. As he said at the premiere, “The most important things in my life are David, Zachary, and Elijah. I found utopia, and I’m so thrilled”.
The film, co-directed by David Furnish and R.J. Cutler, highlights the balance Elton has achieved between his legendary career and family life. Fans can look forward to seeing the documentary in theatres in November, before it becomes available for streaming.
