Elton John has shared the poignant words he desires on his gravestone, acknowledging his uncertainty about the time he has remaining.
The 77-year-old ‘Rocket Man’ singer discussed his health issues in anticipation of his upcoming documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, which reflects on his life and illustrious career.
In recent years, John has faced numerous health challenges, including undergoing surgeries for both knees and a hip replacement.
The legendary musician had to postpone his 2021 Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour following surgery due to a fall.
Reflecting on his health, John stated: “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. And I can’t thank you [enough], you’re the people that made me.”
After concluding his Farewell tour last year, the artist decided to retire from touring.
He remarked: “I don’t have to work after this. I will work and do records and putting radio shows together but traveling takes so much out of you.
“It is very tiring. I am used to it. I am a veteran at it but this is where you start to think about mortality.”
In a conversation with Time magazine for its ‘Icon of the year’ feature, John disclosed the touching epitaph he wishes for his gravestone, reiterating his earlier admission of uncertainty about his future.
“On my gravestone, all I want it to say is, ‘He was a great dad’,” he told the publication.
John, alongside his husband David Furnish, 62, is the father to Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11.
In a scene from the documentary, John expressed his wish to witness his children getting married, though he admitted doubts about being present for that future event.
“I want to see our children get married, but I don’t think I’m going to be around for that,” the ‘I’m Still Standing’ singer confessed.
According to Radio Times, Furnish was moved by this sentiment, as he contemplated a future without his beloved partner.
The film producer remarked: “That really upset me, because in my mind I sort of think Elton is going to live forever – we all think that – and Elton is so vibrant that it’s an easy thing to believe, but it forces you to confront that reality.”
Elton John: Never Too Late is currently available for streaming on Disney+.