Sir Elton John, the iconic 78-year-old musician, recently opened up about the struggles he faces with his eyesight following a serious infection he suffered last summer. In a poignant interview with *The Times*, he expressed that he can no longer see his sons playing rugby or soccer, something that deeply affects him as a father. His emotional revelation highlights a distressing chapter in his life, where he laments, “I can’t see TV, I can’t read. I can’t see my boys playing rugby and soccer.”
This change in his vision has been a significant adjustment for John, who is used to experiencing every moment of life fully. “It has been a very stressful time,” he admits, indicating how accustomed he was to being involved in life’s activities and how troubling it is to have that taken away. His difficulties began in September when he disclosed on social media that due to a “severe” infection, his vision had become severely limited in one eye, a condition he noted would require ample time to heal.
Despite these challenges, John displays remarkable resilience. He shared with his fans that since last July, he has struggled to see much of anything, which has understandably brought him emotional turmoil. However, he acknowledges the blessings in life; “you have to get used to it,” he remarked. “I’m lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family and I can still see something out of here,” as he gestured to his left eye. John’s perspective is inspiring, as he chooses to focus on gratitude rather than dwelling on what he has lost.
Beyond his personal struggles, Sir Elton’s professional life has also been influenced by his eyesight issues. He has stated that these problems prevented him from completing his new album, which has added to the mounting frustration of an already tumultuous period. Fortunately, he has recently released a collaborative album with American musician Brandi Carlile titled *Who Believes In Angels?*, although he noted previous setbacks in reaching this milestone.
The singer-songwriter elaborated on some of the challenges he faced while working on this album, explaining that creative disputes among collaborators led to moments of frustration. “If I want to make a great album aged 76 or 77 I’ve got to be told,” he stated, showing a vulnerability that resonates with many artists. The process of creating art, especially under personal stress, has been particularly daunting for him. “You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have fear and doubt. Every album I’ve done, good, bad, or indifferent, I’ve had doubts about,” he reflected.
The release of *Who Believes In Angels?* has garnered praise from critics, with publications like *The Guardian* and *The Telegraph* rating it positively. These accolades provide a silver lining to his ongoing challenges. Furthermore, he reached a significant career milestone when his greatest hits collection, *Diamonds*, finally ascended to the number one spot after an impressive 374 weeks on the charts. This collection features many of John’s signature pieces, including “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man,” further cementing his legacy in the music industry.
In a remarkable twist of fate, last year, John also achieved EGOT status by winning his first Emmy Award, joining an elite group of performers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Despite the troubles he faces regarding his health, Sir Elton John’s legacy continues to thrive, illustrating the enduring power of his music and his undying spirit through adversity.