Elton John is still standing—though, as he jokingly revealed in a recent speech, there’s not much of him left. At 77 years old, the musical legend gave fans a health update at the premiere of his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late at the New York Film Festival. Known for his resilience, the ‘Tiny Dancer’ singer didn’t shy away from addressing his health challenges over the years.
“To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left,” he quipped, humorously noting the numerous surgeries and conditions he’s endured. “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.” Despite these challenges, John reassured fans, “I’m still here,” as per PEOPLE.
After wrapping up his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in 2023—an epic five-year run with over 300 shows—the EGOT winner declared he’s officially stepping back from the touring life to focus on his family.
But what exactly has Elton John gone through in terms of health? Let’s dive into the details.
Why was Elton John in a wheelchair?
In 2022, fans grew concerned after seeing Elton John in a wheelchair, sparking rumours about his health. However, the singer quickly addressed the situation on Instagram, explaining that it wasn’t due to any severe medical condition. After arriving at Leipzig airport following a long walk, he opted for a wheelchair to rest his recently replaced hip. John reassured fans, saying it was purely precautionary after an already demanding journey.
Did Elton John have prostate cancer?
Yes, Elton John was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. The diagnosis came as a shock to his fans, but John, always the fighter, opted for surgery over chemotherapy. In his usual candid manner, the singer has spoken openly about this battle, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Since the surgery, he’s been recovering well, although the ordeal added another chapter to his long list of health challenges.
Does Elton John have a pacemaker?
Elton John does have a pacemaker. In 1999, he had the device implanted due to an irregular heartbeat. While this may have seemed alarming at the time, John took it in stride, even joking about how the pacemaker made him set off airport security alarms. The singer has been living with it ever since and continues to perform at an impressive level despite his heart condition.
John’s health issues over the years have been wide-ranging. Beyond the knee and hip replacement surgeries, the singer also recently battled a severe eye infection that affected his vision. Over the decades, he’s faced hospitalizations for influenza and bacterial infections, appendicitis, hearing loss due to years of touring, and even gastric flu in 2016.
In an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts on November 25, he revealed the long-lasting impacts his eye infection had on his vision. “I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France,” he explained. “It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. My left eye is not the greatest.”
“It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he added.
At the premiere of Never Too Late in October, John made it clear that his family is now his top priority. He expressed heartfelt gratitude toward his husband, David Furnish, and their sons, Zachary and Elijah, for making him “the happiest man in the world.” Now, after more than 50 years in the spotlight, Elton John is embracing a new chapter—one focused on health, happiness, and family.
With his retirement from touring and the release of his documentary, Elton John’s legacy continues to inspire millions. As he moves away from the gruelling demands of life on the road, fans are grateful that, despite all odds, Elton John is still standing.
Elton John: Never Too Late is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 13, 2024.
