Elton John revealed that he is still struggling with his vision months after battling a severe eye infection. Speaking on stage at a gala performance of The Devil Wears Prada musical in London on Sunday, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to his husband, David Furnish, calling him “my rock” throughout the challenging time.
“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. But I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight,” said John who wrote the music.
According to the Associated Press, Elton John, 77, revealed in September that an infection had left him with “limited vision in one eye.” In an Instagram post, he shared, “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process, and it will take some time before sight returns to the affected eye.”
John composed the score for The Devil Wears Prada, a stage musical adaptation of the 2006 film about a young journalist navigating the glamorous yet ego-driven world of a high-profile fashion magazine.
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The musical at London’s Dominion Theatre features Vanessa Williams as the magazine editor Miranda Priestly, a role famously portrayed by Meryl Streep in the film.
Sunday’s gala performance was held to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The show drew a star-studded audience, including designer Donatella Versace and former Vogue editor Anna Wintour, widely rumored to be the inspiration for Priestly’s character.
Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, England, is one of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time. A child prodigy, he began playing piano at age three and attended the Royal Academy of Music. In 1967, he partnered with lyricist Bernie Taupin, a collaboration that would produce timeless hits like “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” and “Tiny Dancer.”
Rising to superstardom in the 1970s, Elton became known for his flamboyant performances, extravagant costumes, and soulful music. Despite his success, he battled addiction and personal struggles before achieving sobriety in the early 1990s. A fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. He continues to raise millions for global healthcare efforts.
Elton’s career boasts over 300 million records sold, multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Tony, and a knighthood in 1998. His 2019 biopic Rocketman celebrated his extraordinary journey. Married to David Furnish, Elton is a devoted father to two sons. Although he retired from touring in 2023, his legacy endures.
