But over the past several years, the “I’m Still Standing” singer has dealt with his fair share of serious health problems, most recently revealing on social media that he has “limited vision in one eye.”
Keep reading to learn what happened to the 77-year-old Sir Elton John!
Over the years, Elton John has had many close encounters with death.
The five-time Grammy winner, who in July 2024 celebrated 34 years of sobriety, had a really close call in 2013 when he had appendicitis, and continued his European tour while in “agony.”
“I was a ticking time bomb. I guess I could have died at any time,” the now 77-year-old singer said.
And then he had life-threatening complications following surgery for prostate cancer in 2017.
“I didn’t really know how close to death I was,” John, then 72, said of the frightening moment. “I was ill because I kept saying, ‘Please let me get well. I want to see my kids.’ But I had tubes coming out of every part of my body, and it took me seven weeks to recover from that when I went home.”
Then through his social media channels, John announced that after suffering a hip injury, he was forced to push back his 2021 European tour dates to 2023.
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am forced to rescheduled the 2021 dates of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Europe and U.K. to 2023,” the father of two shares.
“At the end of my summer break I fell awkwardly on a hard surface and have been in considerable pain and discomfort in my hip ever since…I have been advised to have an operation as soon as possible to get me back to full fitness and make sure there are no long-term complications.”
He ends the September 16, 2021 post thanking his fans and adds, “It breaks my heart to keep you waiting any longer, I completely feel your frustrations after the year we’ve had.”
Limited vision
On September 3, 2024, the “Rocket Man” singer shared a social media post, explaining to his 8 million followers, that he has “severe eye infection” that has greatly impacted his vision.
“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,” writes the EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards).
He then goes on to say that he’s “quietly recuperating at home” and is feeling “positive about the progress.”
‘You are an icon’
Fans jumped into the comments section, offering their thoughtful wishes to the “Sacrifice” singer.
“Dear Elton John, you have brought us so much joy in your music and all your endeavors, especially your advocacy work,” starts one netizen. “I am sending thoughts and prayers for your journey of healing for a full recovery!”
A second shares, “You are such a wonderful man!! I pray that your healing process goes well!! You are an icon and Everyday I listen to you!!
Meanwhile, on the same post shared on Instagram, several celebrity friends took the opportunity to send their love.
“Sending you so much love Elton! Feel better soon. Love you,” writes Italian fashion icon, Donatella Versace.
Former tennis star Billie Jean King shares, “Sending our love and support your way. Feel better soon, friend.”
“Get well soon Sir Elton,” starts Carnie Wilson, daughter of The Beach Boys’ leading man Brian Wilson. Next, referring to John’s hit song from 1973 – from the album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – she continues, “Daddy and I were watching your concert together yesterday. He was loving ‘Bennie And The Jets.’”
We wish Sir Elton a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him making magic happen again!
