Elton John, 77, jokes theres ‘not much of me left’ as he issues health update after severe eye infection
Sir Elton John has made candid remarks about his health issues at the New York Film Festival premiere of his new documentary – Elton John: Never Too Late.
The 77-year-old music icon humorously listed his missing body parts, and quipped: “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.
“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.”
John expressed profound gratitude towards his fans, stating, “And I can’t thank you [enough], you’re the people that made me.”
He also praised his husband David Furnish and their sons Zachary and Elijah for making him “the happiest man in the world”.
The singer explained his decision to retire from touring, and 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.”
However, he assured fans that music would remain a part of his life, emphasising that his family and friends are now his top priority.
Earlier this year, John recently revealed he has been dealing with a severe eye infection that has left him with limited vision in one eye.
In a statement on Instagram, he said: “Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.
“I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye. I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks.
“I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far. With love and gratitude.”
In 2021, the I’m Still Standing hitmaker underwent hip surgery, which resulted in him having to reschedule a few shows on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
Not long after the procedure, John was welcomed to Windsor Castle for the investiture ceremony marking his appointment as a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by then-Prince Charles.
Speaking at the ceremony, where he walked with the support of a stick, he said: “I may not look as if I’m 100 per cent fit – I’m not quite – but I’m still raring to go and I’ve got a lot more work to do as far as my life goes.”
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His new documentary is set to premiere in cinemas on 15 November before being released on Disney+ on 13 December, being directed by RJ Cutler and Furnish, the film offers an intimate look at the singer’s remarkable 50-year career.
The official synopsis describes it as an “emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-circle journey” that follows Sir Elton as he reflects on his life’s extraordinary highs and heartbreaking lows.
The documentary features never-before-seen concert footage, hand-written diary entries, and present-day footage of the icon and his family.