Friends of Sir Elton John have expressed serious concerns about the 77-year-old music legend’s health as he continues to maintain a demanding schedule despite losing his eyesight.
The Grammy winner recently shocked fans at a West End premiere when he revealed he could no longer see the stage due to complications from an eye infection.
Despite completing his mammoth 330-date Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, the star has shown no signs of slowing down, launching two new musicals in London and New York.
Those close to the icon are now urging him to reduce his workload, warning that his intense schedule is taking a toll on his deteriorating health.
At The Dominion Theatre’s premiere of The Devil Wears Prada, Sir Elton made an emotional appearance alongside his husband David Furnish, 62.
The star candidly shared his struggles with the audience, saying: “I’ve lost my eyesight and cannot see the stage.”
His husband provided loving support, gently escorting him off the stage after the appearance.
Despite being unable to fully experience the performance he helped create, Sir Elton remained engaged with the production.
“To my husband, who’s been my rock, because I haven’t been able to attend many of the previews… it’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it—and boy, it sounded good tonight,” he told the audience.
Sources report that Sir Elton stayed afterwards to meet the cast and crew of the show.
An insider told The Sun: “Elton’s friends are seriously concerned about how much he has taken on and believe it is having a major impact on his health.”
The source added: “Quite a few people who he is close to have now encouraged him to slow down because he has been busier than ever this year.”
The concerns stem from Sir Elton’s continued intense schedule, despite the original intention of his farewell tour being to reduce his workload.
Iconic musician Elton John has left friends ‘seriously concerned’
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“He isn’t getting any younger and his health has been deteriorating in the past few years,” the insider noted.
Friends believe his current pace is unsustainable, with the source stating that “something has to give.”
Sir Elton recently disclosed that he has been unable to see out of his right eye for several months, with his left eye also struggling due to a severe infection.
“It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see,” he explained. “My left eye is not the greatest.”
The condition has severely impacted his ability to work, particularly in the studio.
“I can’t see anything, I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” the star revealed.
Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful about his recovery, which he describes as “extremely slow.”
Over the summer, he spent time recuperating at home, sharing that he felt “positive about the progress” in his healing journey.
Sir Elton’s vision problems are just one of several health challenges he has faced in recent years.
Elton John recently reflected on lifestyle changes he has made for his health
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The star has undergone two knee replacements and required a hip replacement following a fall in 2021, which forced him to delay his tour.
He was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the early 2000s, leading to significant lifestyle changes.
The diagnosis has prompted him to carefully monitor his diet, particularly his sugar intake.
Speaking on Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast, he revealed he has given up sweet treats, saying: “If I had a death row meal, it wouldn’t contain anything except sweets because I can’t eat them now. So, I’d have ice cream, donuts, apple pie, rhubarb crumble.”
Despite the significant challenges he faces, Sir Elton maintains a remarkably positive outlook.
“I’m so lucky; I’m the luckiest man in the world,” he affirmed, demonstrating his resilient spirit.
