Elton John, the legendary musician and songwriter, recently opened up about his ongoing struggle with vision loss due to a severe eye infection. This announcement came to light during a gala performance of the musical adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada,” held in London. As he graced the stage, John expressed his gratitude towards his husband, David Furnish, stating, “He has been my rock” during this challenging period in his life. His remarks not only highlighted the emotional support he has received but also provided a glimpse into the personal battles he faces due to his deteriorating eyesight.
Despite his invite to various previews of the show he wrote music for, John lamented his inability to attend many of them due to his condition. “I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight. So it’s hard for me to see it,” John explained. However, he compensated for this by listening and enjoying the performances, noting, “Boy, it sounded good tonight.” This shows John’s continued dedication and passion for the project, even in the face of adversity.
In a candid interview with “Good Morning America” the previous week, the musician elaborated on the impact of his eye ailment on his professional life. John disclosed, “I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the south of France,” referencing the exact place where his troubles began. He added, “It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see, and my left eye is not the greatest.” This statement starkly showcased the severity of his circumstances, giving fans and the public insight into his ongoing health challenges.
Moreover, John reflected on the limitations he faces in his work, stating, “There’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK, but… I’m kind of stuck at the moment.” He explained this predicament by mentioning, “I can do something like this (the interview), but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.” This quote not only emphasizes the frustration and limitations he is currently encountering but also illustrates his determination to keep working despite these challenges.
At the age of 77, John initially broke the news about his eye problems in September. He shared on his Instagram account that he had been “dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.” John’s transparency regarding his health struggles has connected him further to his fans, who admire his strength and resilience. He described the healing process as painfully slow, stating, “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.”
In his Instagram post, John took the opportunity to thank those who have supported him throughout this ordeal, particularly the “excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family.” He indicated that he had been spending summer recuperating at home, while still maintaining a positive outlook on his recovery progress. “I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home,” he noted, emphasizing a mindset geared toward healing and gratitude.
Interestingly, despite officially retiring from touring in 2023, John’s artistic spirit remains very much alive. He wrote the score for “The Devil Wears Prada,” a musical based on Lauren Weisberger’s popular 2003 novel, which was also adapted into a successful film in 2006. This creative endeavor serves as a testament to John’s enduring influence on the music and entertainment industry, illustrating that even amidst personal struggles, his artistry continues to shine brightly.
