David Furnish Says Elton John Is "Battling on" After Health Issues

In 2021, Elton suffered a fall that prompted him to postpone tour dates and undergo what he described as “intensive physio and specialist treatment.” Since then, he has joked about how “there's not much of me left,” noting he’s had multiple surgeries to remove his tonsils, appendix and prostate, as well as replacements in both of his knees and right hip.

After contracting a virus in 2024, the two-time Oscar winner has also detailed his deteriorating eyesight. 

“It’s been devastating,” he told Variety in November. “Because I lost my right eye and my left eye’s not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven’t been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything.”

Despite the health struggles, Elton has been able to focus on the positives.

“On the other hand, I’ve still been able to play. I’m still singing,” he continued. “You just have to grin and bear it. It does get me down sometimes. But on the whole, I’ve got a wonderful family; I have two great kids; I have [David].”

After all, Elton added, “I’ve had the most incredible life, and there is hope. I’ve just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one. Once they help me with this one, I’ll be fine."

Read on to look back at Elton throughout his six decade music career.