Elton John’s reflections reveal that his two sons are worried about his ‘mortality.’
In his poignant documentary titled “Elton John: Never Too Late,” premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, the legendary musician opens up about the concerns of his sons, Zachary, age 13, and Elijah, age 11. Their worries echo a universal theme: the fear of losing a loved one.
“They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality,” he confides in the film, articulating a parental vulnerability rarely seen from someone of his stature. He noted that while David, his husband, provides emotional support, it’s primarily his sons who express their fears regarding his life. Elton shared that their love is profound, emphasizing that they want nothing more than for him “to be around forever.”
Elton’s children embody innocence intertwined with the stark reality of life. They, like many young ones, grapple with existential thoughts that seem premature but are undeniably human. The gravity of life events weighs heavily on Elton’s heart; he wants to witness monumental milestones in his children’s lives—marriages, grandchildren, and the passage of time that he might miss.
“I want to see them have children and get married. I don’t think I’m going to be around for that. Who knows? You never know,” he mentioned reflectively. Each moment they share is a testament to a bond forged in love, and the singer highlights that the time they spend together is both wonderful and precious.
Recently, Elton has faced health challenges, including a troubling eye infection that has diminished vision in one of his eyes. Standing at the intersection of fame and vulnerability, he shares on social media, thanking his medical team and family, “Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has left me with only limited vision in one eye.” His optimism shines through even in adversity; he acknowledges the slow path to recovery—time that is, in its own right, a double-edged sword.
“They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality.”
As he contemplates what lays ahead, he reminisces about his journey, chronicled in the documentary that follows his preparations for the final leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. His life, rich with highs and lows, becomes a narrative of resilience—a reminder of the value found in authenticity. “The truth should always be told,” Elton states during a Q&A following the film’s premiere, highlighting the liberation that comes when one embraces their true self.
“It made me so unhappy and it was so stupid the amount of years that I lost by not telling the truth and by fooling myself,” he confesses. Such honest revelations provide insight into a man who, through all his successes, faced deep personal struggles. The documentary whispers of his journey—an artist transforming pain into beauty while cherishing every fleeting moment.
“Elton John: Never Too Late” is scheduled to grace Disney+ on December 13, a release that promises not just entertainment, but a poignant reminder of love, life, and the inevitable passage of time.