Sir Elton Johns Reveals “Severe” Health Battle, Stunning Fans

Without a doubt, one of the most iconic and popular Disney animated films is the 1994 animated movie The Lion King, starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and James Earl Jones. Even more popular was the 2019 Lion King live-action remake, which, until recently, was Disney’s top-grossing animated film. It was only recently kicked out of the top spot by Pixar’s wildly successful sequel, Inside Out 2, which came out this past June.

Related: Disney Spurs Sir Elton John On To a Once-In-a-Lifetime Achievement

While there are many things about The Lion King that make it so incredible, one of the best aspects is the incredible music. The film’s music was even nominated for five Oscars, including three Best Original Song nominations for “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” won the Academy Award, along with composer Hans Zimmer, who won for Best Original Score.

Hans Zimmer might be known for writing The Lion King’s score, but it was Elton John, alongside lyricist Tim Rice, who cemented himself into Disney history for writing the film’s music. Sir Elton John’s work had such a big impact on Disney that, in 2006, he was made a Disney Legend.

And now, the Disney Legend has shared that he is battling a very scary and “severe” medical issue.

On September 3, John shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram page. He said that he had been battling a “severe eye infection” that had left him with very little vision in one of his eyes. Thankfully, he is receiving the best medical care he can, and he expects his vision to return, but it may take some time.

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, Elton John

 

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Related: Award Winning Disney Legend Hospitalized

This is not the first serious health issue that the EGOT winner has battled during his 77 years. Mr. John fought a very public battle with substance abuse, but he has been sober for 34 years.

He had a near-death experience when a doctor diagnosed him with a colon infection when he really had appendicitis. John also had life-threatening complications after undergoing surgery to help treat prostate cancer in 2017.

A Long-Coming Retirement Saddens Millions

In July 2023, Mr. John announced that he would no longer be touring, much to the disappointment of millions of fans. The Rocket Man had been touring for more than five decades, even doing a residency in Las Vegas. The “Tiny Dancer” singer had intended to stop touring in 2021, but his final Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Tour was extended due to the major postponements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He plans to spend his retirement enjoying time with his husband and children. After more than 20 years together, John married his longtime partner, David Furnish, in 2014. The couple welcomed son Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John in 2010 and son Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John in 2013, both via surrogate.

John said that he did not want to miss any more of his children’s lives.

We are wishing Sir Elton John a speedy recovery and glad that he has an incredible support system.